STORIES FROM BEHIND THE RED DOOR

This evening my first television documentary aired on CMN public access television. I am really happy with how it turned out. You can watch it on www.mydols.tv.

I spent hours on it. It was a true labor of love. I tried to be so independent, only asking for help if I absolutely needed it. But in the end, Joe, Jay, Chris, and James from CMN all helped me. Jay even told me he wants to enter it for an award which is amazing because it is my first show.

NEW PAPER FASHION MYDOLS

Coming soon NEW Paper Fashion Mydols featuring April, Wensdy and me!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Click here to create your own video

Best Buy BlueShirt and Geek Squad Agent Interview

Check out this interview I did with a Best Buy BlueShirt and Geek Squad Agent...

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...and discover:

• The most popular last-minute holiday gifts this year.


• Some creative activities and holiday traditions families can plan using popular last-minute gadgets and devices.


• For those not able to travel home for the holidays, some ideas for helping them stay connected with family this season.


• Some eco-friendly ideas for families wanting to add more green into their holiday season.


• How families can ensure the gadgets and technologies they purchase work and that they know how to use them.

HOLIDAY CHEER

I have had a really wonderful week. I surround myself with the coolest, greatest, nicest people on earth and it keeps me focused and happy.

On Wednesday my writers group did a reading for Stories from BEHIND THE RED DOOR at Gilda's Club. I realized how attached I've become to my students. I feel like they're my kids. Honestly. I follow them around with a video camera and I cry over their every accomplishment. Today we all did a radio show at http://www.metrochickradio.com/. They all looked so professional in the studio with their headsets on! You can listen to the broadcast on the Internet.

On Thursday I had a guitar lesson with Kemp. He has been teaching me (bless his patient heart) for SIX years. I consider him one of my dearest friends. I designed him some business cards and they arrived on his birthday (Friday). He loved them. If you live in metro Detroit and want to learn how to guitar, give him a call. He's the BEST!

On Friday THE MYDOLS taped a video at CMN. Joe Johnson is producing a Mydols' version of Winter Wonderland. He figures he'll have it done by Tuesday. I can't wait to see it. My son Dylan was the cameraman so I'll be especially proud of the finished product. I LOVE my band mates. April looked adorable on camera. She has the cutest expressions. Wensdy look amazing. It's hard to believe she just had a baby. Wensdy also made some Mydols' dolls. Check out her blog to see pic at http://www.mydols.com/.

HOLIDA

MAGICAL NIGHT

Last night the girls in my memoir writing class did readings at Gilda's Club in Royal Oak. There was a really great turnout (my parents and mother-in-law were there-thanks-I love you!) and things went really smoothly. I was so proud of my students. It was great to hear the audience react to their essays. After they read, they signed books. We sold quite a few. You can buy the book on-line through Lulu.com. (http://www.lulu.com/content/4745605) ALL the proceeds go to Gilda's Club--a free cancer support community.

On Saturday, my Gilda girls will be on the radio talking about our book. They'll be on http://www.metrochickradio.com/ with the fabulous Lisa Marie.

I continue to work on a documentary too. I shot some video last night. I hope to have the show on the air before Christmas. I really love editing, but it sure is time comsuming. I love the staff at CMN who have been so helpful and encouraging during the process.

KIM LYBRAND

I am really proud of the new website I designed for PR guru Kim Lybrand. Check it out at www.kimlybrandpr.com.

THAT"S MY GIRL!

My sister, Terry, had to go to Korea on business and she hooked up with our former foreign exchange student Jee Yeon Kim. I received this photo this morning taken in Seoul.

I am so jealous! I would give anything to see my little girl again. She looks so grown up. I miss her so much.

GIRLS GETAWAY GUIDE

I would like to invite all you rockin’ moms to check out Casey Wohl’s launch of the Girls Getaway Guide to Orlando and Girls Getaway Guide to Key West. Check it out at
http://shop.girlsgetawayguide.net/main.sc.

I got to take a sneak peak of the guide and I am already packing my bathing suit. (It’s currently FREEZING in suburban Detroit.) Casey has figured it all out for me--where to stay, where to eat, where to shop, and best of all where to get pampered. After 15 years of spoiling kids, it's my turn!

There truly is something for everyone in the guide. If a bar and cabaret isn’t your thing, then maybe you’d be interested in taking a scenic tour. The variety of suggestions is crazy cool.

And while you’re at it, register for Casey’s SPECIAL 12 days 'til Christmas giveaway. The prizes are so amazing...just take a look at them...

The winners will be selected on each of the 12 business days starting Dec. 8-23, with the Grand Prize selected on Dec. 24. Each day leading up to Christmas, a terrific Girls Getaway Guide prize will be given away to a randomly-selected entrant.

Yesterday Casey's blog tour stopped at Dominque's blog and tomorrow on December 4th, the blog tour will continue with Wendy VanHatten at Travels and Escapes.

KISS MY FACE WINNER!

Congrats Mel Clark! Winner of the Mydols' songwriting contest. Here are the winning lyrics.

Its 2pm I am out here driving again
to the busy elementary school
traffics in my face
and I might be late
oh boy the teacher's gonna lose her cool

Just when I got it all together
I'm gonna mess it up all over again
Overwhelmed is the word
Momma needs to get hers served
its timeout to the bathtub again!

I need bubbles and candlelight
Momma needs r&r alright
just a lil bit of quiet would do
shut the door to the kids
a glass of wine take a swig
a dip in the water is gonna soothe

Just when I got it all together
I'm gonna mess it up all over again
Overwhelmed is the word
Momma needs to get hers served
its timeout to the bathtub again!

CHEFMAMA IN THE NEWS

One of the fun side projects I work on is ChefMama.com. I teamed up with Shelleen and Jill about 6 months ago and there was a story in the Freep today: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008811300326
The response to the story has been fantastic. We got lots of new subscribers!

TRADITION

For the fourth year in a row, the boys and I went up to church last night and helped make pumpkin pies for the Manna Soup Kitchen. About 20 teenagers were there to help. It gets a little crazy, and I'm sure a couple of the pies are missing ingredients--but hopefully not many.

It's so much fun to see all the kids so devoted to the cause. We gathered in a circle and said a little prayer and I realized despite the crappy economy and the other woes of the world, my family is really lucky, especially me--to have such wonderful sons. I was so proud of them last night--you have no idea.

WHY TV SUCKS

Of all the creative things I've attempted--music, writing, animation, web design, interior design--nothing has been more challenging than producing TV. I just finished my television production course and I am in the midst of producing my first 1/2 hour show for public access television. I cannot believe how HARD it is. I have HOURS of time into my show and I have about a minute of tape ready. Television has elements of everything I have ever done.

Music--Yep. TV requires a soundtrack.

Writing--I have to write a story arc and voice over narrative.

Animation/Web Design--Lots of similar concepts, like fades and timelines. (Good thing I know Flash!)

Interior Design--Set design, color, composition--it's all there.

So while I love the creativity of TV, it is so hard. I have taped interviews where the image is beautiful but the sound is messed up and then revisited it to get great audio but crappy exposure. ARGH!

I think this is why so much TV sucks. Folks just run out of time and have to settle for something less than perfect.

One other thing. Last night I MC-ed a fundraiser at AJs in Ferndale to raise money and toys for children at Beaumont Hospital. It was truly a great experience.

TRAVEL WRITING

I just read a copy of Travel Writing as a Freelancer…Your Own Guide to Getting Published by Wendy VanHatten. As a freelance writer, I am curious about travel writing. My husband, kids and I have been to 48 states. Our goal is to see all 50 before my oldest son graduates from high school in 3 years. I have long thought our travels would make an excellent magazine article. Wendy's book got me excited.

She offers great advice from finding a market to writing a query letter. I liked the format of the book. It's sprinkled with assignments. They really got me thinking and helped me organize my thoughts. The information Wendy offers is useful to any kind of writing--not just travel writing but that is what she is certainly focused on.

Here are the topics covered in the book:

Topic Number One: Specializing & Specifics
Topic Number Two: Bright Ideas
Topic Number Three: Selling Your Article
Topic Number Four: Building Blocks
Topic Number Five: Story Structure & Headlines
Topic Number Six: Writing Finesse
Topic Number Seven: Travel Photography
Topic Number Eight: Toning Up
Topic Number Nine: Ethics & Etiquette to Nuts & Bolts

You can get more details and pick up a copy of the book at Travels and Escapes.


This post is part of a blog tour. Yesterday the blog tour was located at Virtual blog tours
and tomorrow the blog tour continues with Casey Wohl at GirlsGetaway Guide blog

WHAT ELSE?

This week I had the pleasure of interviewing Michael Radner (brother of Gilda Radner) about a place that is very special to me: Gilda's Club. He was so sweet and charming--and patient--with a couple of new producers. (My son Dylan went with me. ) It's obvious the Radner family has TV genes--Michael made suggestions about lighting and questions. He was a natural on camera.

I continue to spend lots of time at the TV studio--maybe too much time.

Also this week, I worked on various websites. I am working with so many people--chefs, publicists, radio hosts--and loving it. I wish I had more time to go to school and take some web design classes.

RADIO INTERVIEW AND BOOK REVIEW

This week I did a really great radio interview with Wayne Hurlbert up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Wow! This guy is really professional. He did some fantastic research on me and my book. I had a great time. I was on for over an hour. He also wrote a book review. You can read it at:

http://blogbusinessworld.blogspot.com/2008/11/rock-star-mommy-by-judy-davids-book.html

Or, here is a link to the show podcast recording. It's a free podcast download:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/WayneHurlbert/2008/11/19/Judy-Davids-Rock-Star-Mommy-LivingYour-Dreams

FUN INTERVIEW

I just did a fun little interview with Raven Entertainment Promotions. Check it out:

http://blog.ravenentertainmentpromotions.com/2008/11/21/judy-davids-of-mydol.aspx

ROCK STAR MOMMY MAKES "BOOKS TO READ" LIST

VIOLET ROCKS

It has been a long eventful day. FIRST, I finally got to meet little Violet. She is ADORABLE and Wensdy looks great. Wensdy also got an artist endorsement from Daisy Rock. That's her super cool new bass in the photo.

I interviewed Michael Radner today. He is Gilda Radner's brother. I spoke to him about Gilda's Club and his famous sister. He was funny and really thoughtful. I enjoyed talking to him.

Tonight my memoir writing class met. Our book is done! Yay! We said we were going to do it and we did. I interviewed the group for a documentary I am working on.

It was a long day but I feel really good about the choices I made. I am surrounded by great people and love.

MYDOLS SHOES

Details coming soon!

YES HE CAN

I voted for this guy. I practically gave up 2 months of my life. I knocked on over 500 doors. One weekend I knocked on so many doors, I won a contest--tickets to an Obama event at North Famington High School. Willie ended up in the newspaper the next day in a photo of Barack. (He was seated in the bleachers behind him.) About a week later I got to MEET Joe Biden and shake his hand. Pretty exciting stuff.

Now with the campaign behind me, I am trying to catch up with MY life. On Friday, Dylan and I graduate from our TV production class. Tomorrow I'll take a stab at editing a TV show called Oakland Inspired that will air in December.

I am also doing another kind of editing. I'm going through essays for my Gilda's Club project--"Stories from Behind the Red Door." I'm in LOVE with this book! I couldn't be prouder of my students.

Over the weekend, I read a memoir by this guy I know. Holy cow! It was great. He needs to find a publisher. I couldn't put it down. It chronicles all his dates and relationships. It's funny, tragic, heartwarming, weird, remarkable. At times, it makes you laugh. Other times it makes you squirm. Way to go Joe!

FIRST MYDOLS SHOW WITH APRIL

Last night the Mydols (less Wensdy who is still out on maternity leave) played our first show with new lead singer April Boyle at Gilda’s Club. We celebrated Noogie Fest in Halloween drag (a captain, a cowgirl and a witch) with a simple acoustic sing-a-long. It was SO GOOD! I loved it and I think the crowd did too. We even got asked to play a couple of encores AND people requested songs—and they were Mydols’ songs too. Max Ortiz (Detroit News) was there to video tape the historic moment.

DIANNE ROSE

Today I got a call from the husband of one of my Gilda's Club students telling me his beautiful wife died on Friday. Dianne Rose was one of the coolest people I have ever met. She was sassy, smart and full of life and energy. It was hard for me to ever believe that she was really sick. The stories she told our group were funny, inspiring and sometimes left me with goose bumps. Dianne is the type of friend you had in 7th grade. She never lost her youthfulness. I will miss her terribly.

STORIES FROM BEHIND THE RED DOOR

I have been working with a great group of women at Gilda's Club for about a year. I have been teaching a memoir writing class and we are ready to publish a collection of personal essays. I couldn't be prouder of the book. We are going through final edits and hope to do a reading at Gilda's around Thanksgiving.

Here's a sneak peek at the cover.

THAT"S ME ON "MOMz ROCK THE HOUSE"

That's me with my Daisy Rock guitar featured on the radio show "Momz Rock the House" hosted by Janeane Bernstein in Irvine, CA.

TV STAR MOMMY

My son Dylan and Ihave been taking television production classes all fall. There are probably 15 people in our class. We've learned how to use cameras, direct, run sound--you name it. Tonight our class films our final project--a variety show that will air throughout the month of December. My segment is a holiday cooking demonstration with my friend Jill Martens who is the co-founder of ChefMama.com.

I have been writing and rehearsing my lines all week. Yesterday I worked on set design. I love TV--and I LOVE my class--especially producing/directing. I am super psyched about tonight.

Look for Mydols.TV coming to a public access television station near you in 2009!

COOL FRIENDS

From time to time I get asked by friends to come up with logos for various things. I recently did a t-shirt design for "Purdy Good" that was well--pretty good!

Today I designed a logo for a law firm. I was completely stumped. I looked at various web sites for attorneys and they were all yawners. I figured it should be simple and use corporate colors but with a little splash. I hope they like it. Fingers crossed.

NATIONAL READING GROUP MONTH

Did you know October is National Reading Group Month. So, in celebration, I have joined with some other authors and Key Business Partners to help highlight these writers and authors here at “Books to Read” .

This event showcases a variety of wonderful works of writing on different topics including my book Rock Star Mommy and others like:

Mindful Marketing by Jenn Givler
The Soccer Mom Myth by Holly Buchanan and Michele Miller
Back to the Table Cookbook by Betty Lynch
Customized Style Guide for Coaches who Write by Linda Dessau
Web Business Success by Susan Daffron
The Celebrity Experience by Donna Cutting
Girl Talk by Gigi Garner

I would like to invite you to spend a few moments on this page (these books will be exhibited for the month of October) to support these great writers and authors.

This event showcases the books in two ways
1) You can receive a free downloadable book excerpt or one chapter of the books
2) You can click the url link to purchase the book

I hope you enjoy the time you spend reading about these books and perhaps you will find your next treasured book.

So if you wish you can go now to Books to Read.

NEW MYDOL COVER

Here's a Françoise Hardy cover song (circa 1964)we are learning.

STAND UP BASS

The Mydols are doing a couple of fundraisers this fall. We'll play at Gilda's Club on October 29 at Noogie Fest, and in November we'll be at AJ's in Ferndale for a fundraiser for the Pediatric Cancer Center at Beaumont Hospital.

Our bass player Wensdy is taking a little time off to welcome a new baby daughter. She's due TODAY. So....I will be playing bass! And a stand up bass! We practiced last night. Johnny (who normally plays drums) will play acoustic guitar.

April has the most amazing taste in music. We'll be playing some really cool folk songs with a '60s Austin Power-ish twist. We're going to record our next practice. I can't wait to let everyone hear our new sound.

DAISY ROCK AND CANCER RESEARCH

Yesterday I was asked to do a very cool thing. I did a voiceover for a Daisy Rock ad. If you buy a guitar in the month of October from www.daisyrock.com, a portion of the proceeds will go to breast cancer research. All the Mydols play Daisy Rock guitars. They're the best!

PEACEFUL LIVING IN A HECTIC WORLD

My next big project is redecorating my son Willie’s bedroom. He’s recently decided he wants to move into the guest bedroom although I am not quite sure why. I suppose it’s a little bigger, and on the first floor next to the kitchen. (Willie's my snacker.) The room he wants has been used as everything— from a nursery to a TV room to a game room to an office—you name it. Most recently it was used by Jee Yeon, our foreign exchange student. At the moment, AJ (our latest house guest) is using it until after the election. (AJ is a staffer for Michigan's Campaign for Change.)

I told Willie after AJ leaves we can redecorate the room any way he wants.

As I was searching around the Internet for furniture I stumbled across a website that had some really inspiring furniture—though not for teenagers but for sophisticated adults. It's very sleek and chic and oh so peaceful looking. The site is http://www.lombok.co.uk/.

Check out their wooden beds . I would love to curl up in the Canton four poster wooden bed for a nice long nap and drift away to a peaceful place where no kids need to be driven to soccer pitches, no dogs are barking in the yard at the squirrels, and there are no piles of clothing that need folding. (I also checked out the chests of drawers . I could use those too.)

Lombok's so-called “eastern inspired living” is not typically my cup of tea. My house is colorful and busy—maybe a little too busy. These days when I'm feeling over-stressed and over-tired a little luxury would certainly be a nice and romantic welcome! Rustic wood and white linen—may I lie down now?

I toured the rest of the Lombok site and found they have it all: desks , sofas , TV cabinets, dining tables and more.

Alas, my dream(y) furniture is in the UK. They do however make arrangements for International Delivery.

I’ll put it on my to-do list when I am less stressed out. :)

Now where was I? Oh yeah, back to finding some cheap teen furniture.

CHECK OUT THIS BOOK REVIEW!

Rock Star Mommy By Judy Davids --Review by Carine Nadel.

http://augvcmisvbk.blogspot.com/2008/09/rock-star-mommy-by-judy-davids.html

Carine is on The Reader's Advisory Panel of Woman's Day magazine and has had numerous articles and recipes published both on various websites and print publications. To read more of her work, log onto: Carine-whatscooking.blogspot.com Carine-whatscooking.blogspot.com.

MOMz HOT ROCKs ARTWORK AND MORE...

I have really been busy...to busy to even blog. I have gotten so far behind in EVERYTHING. I have made more promises than I can keep. SO today I snuck away to my office and I am desperately trying to catch up. So far I have designed a T-shirt for a band called "Purdy Good", finished up a short Yoga video featuring the Mydols' lovely lead singer--Ms. April Boyle and designed the DVD packaging for "MOMZ HOT ROCKs". (You can see the rough draft above.)

Still to do: Update my personal website, write a website review, post a cool book review of "Rock Star Mommy", update the Royal Oak Middle School website, make phone calls for the bagel sale at the middle school, publicize the Mydols' songwriting contest, and attend a precinct meeting this afternoon to get out the vote. (We have a new campaign staffer living with us until November 5. Welcome AJ! She is SUPER cool and hails from Califonia.) I'm sure there is more stuff to do too ( I just can't remember it all). Gotta get back to work!!

FAMILY FUN NIGHT IN ROYAL OAK!

Royal Oak recently was selected by Disney as one of only 30 stops on its nationwide 'What Will You Celebrate?' tour, spotlighting Disney theme parks and offering chances to win a free 'celebration vacation'.

Royal Oak business owners enthusiastic about the Disney coming, quickly created a 'Family Fun Night' as a way to celebrate and bring more families into the downtown.

Radio Disney (AM 910) on Friday agreed to jump into the mix too. They'll be kicking out the Disney tunes from their base outside The Baldwin Theatre on Lafayette.

Family Fun Night activities are planned for this Friday, Oct. 3 from 5-8 p.m. Some Highlights Include:

Free Parking Downtown from 5-8 p.m.
Cool Disney-inspired, kids-eat-free menus or special discounts
Coloring Contests, Prizes, Games, Giveaways
Kids' Castle Moonwalk at Sixth and Main (Fresard's Auto Body Shop)
Late Shopping - 'til 8 p.m.
A Drive-In Movie at Dusk at Main Street & I-696
Kids can come dressed as their favorite Disney Character
Stagecrafters actors will wander about in costume
For more details please see this excerpt from the Press Release below...

Bob Murray, president of Contract Design Group and one of the business owners organizing 'Family Fun Night,' said tying the event's family theme to Disney was a natural.

'Who doesn't have a magical Disney memory?' Murray asked. 'Mickey, Minnie, Donald Goofy, they're all part of American culture. What child can't remember the first Disney movie they ever saw - Fantasia, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, 101 Dalmatians, The Little Mermaid, Lilo & Stitch, Toy Story, High School Musical? Each generation has their own special connection to a Disney tale. We'd like to tap into that magic for this event. We're even inviting kids to come dressed as their favorite Disney character.'

Sangria and Sky Club owner, Luigi Cutraro, says it’s just good business to roll out the red carpet for Disney and the families who will be flocking to town.

“We plan to give them the royal treatment. We want everyone to know that Royal Oak is a great place for families to enjoy,” said Cutraro, who also serves on the Downtown Development Authority that is funding the event.

Andiamo Osteria, operations manager Sandy Kowalski, said she loves the family-friendly theme of the event. Andiamo's is offering a 'Bella Notte' spaghetti and meatball special as a nod to Disney's Lady and The Tramp.

'The part of Lady and The Tramp where the dogs slurp the spaghetti noodle is one of the best parts of the movie - my kids love that,' Kowalski said. 'When kids order the 'Bella Notte Spaghetti and Meatball Special,' they will eat free that night.'

Not to be outdone, Bob Higgins at the Oxford Inn, the restaurant closest to the Drive-In location, plans to have his staff rock a Disney look.

“We’re going over the top,” Higgins said, noting that his staff would be wearing custom Disney-inspired uniforms. He said he also was going to offer an entire menu for kids that celebrated Disney memories and movies. “We’ve got some really healthy choices for the kids too.”

Memphis Smoke is pulling out the stops too with all sorts of Disney-influenced fare for the kids such as Pluto's Plate (hot dogs and fries), Nemo's Nibbles (fish and fries), the Rattatouille (mac 'n cheese bites with fries) and more. Kids 10 and under will eat free when an adult entree is ordered.

Over at The Rock on Third, they’ll be offering samples of their All-American fare. According to Carrie O’Neill, they also plan to create some fun Disney-related meals.

At O'Toole's kids will also eat free on Oct. 3. O'Toole's is also celebrating Disney's arrival with a tip of the hat to the movie Aristocats, with an O'Malley burger named after O'Malley the Alley Cat.

Zumba Mexican Grille is getting in on the fun with a Chihuahua Crunch Taco, to celebrate the new Disney release Beverly Hills Chihuahua, which launches nationwide on Oct. 3. Zumba Owner Tim Castaneda says the restaurant will create the special two-layer, soft and hard taco just for kids, who will eat free during 'Family Fun Night'

SONGWRITING CONTEST!

Hey kids (aged 1 to 99) the Mydols' present their first ever songwriting contest!!

Simply write a poem about bath time and send it to judy@mydols.com. The lucky winner will receive cool kid products from KISS MY FACE. You'll get shampoo, fun flying foam, detangler (great mane, no pain), tasty toothpaste and lots more.

PLUS!!! The Mydols will put your words to music! That's right. You'll get a recording of your tune performed by the world's greatest mom band!!

Please go to http://www.mydols.com/ for more info!

"THE CELEBRITY EXPERIENCE" BLOG TOUR

Shortly after I started the Mydols I had a conversation with comedian Thom Sharp. Thom said to me “Judy if you want to be in show business, your whole life will be an audition. You always have to be your best.”

I remembered that. And the times we played in empty bar rooms for 5 or 6 drunks, I gave it my all. And you know what? At a show like that, there always seemed to be one guy who would come up to us at the end of the evening and say “I really loved your show” and then tell us he was a music writer or maybe had a college radio show, and I was glad I played like it was Lollapalooza!

I just read a really cool book this week called “The Celebrity Experience: Insider Secrets to Delivering Red-Carpet Customer Service” by Donna Cutting that offers the same sort of practical advice my friend Thom gave me for being successful.

It’s a really unique book for business owners and entrepreneurs (and even wannabe rock stars like me) on how to turn your clients (and fans) into lifelong customers by treating them like superstars. It combines the “best practices of the Hollywood celebrity scene with those of the business world”.

For example, there’s a section on swag (Stuff We All Get).

Celebrities, who have it all, still expect swag at award ceremonies and the like. They enjoy walking away with baskets filled with expensive gifts and gadgets. Cutting explains the business logic for giving away goodies—it creates buzz.

Cutting says swag can "go a long way toward making your customers feel as though they've been treated like someone special. And when you've made them feel special, they will tell their friends."

Over the past 6 years the Mydols have given away buttons, stickers, CDs, magnets—even paper dolls—yet after reading “The Celebrity Experience” I am determined to more. The book offers that sort of inspiration—to push the limits.

Cutting really covers a lot of red carpet in 226 pages. Each chapter has an action plan and “Celebrity Sightings”. It’s a must read!

Yesterday the blog tour stopped at these locations:
Sandra De Freitas / Tech Coach for Coaches

Dawn Goldberg / Write Well Mewill be doing her own book review.

Pam Archer / I Do Weddings to showcase Donna's guest post about tips for brides to be A-list customers

Today you can read more about Donna's book here:

Claudia Meydrech / Ebook & Book Reviews

Carol Deckert / Run Lancaster

And tomorrow, these blogs showcase a post about Donna's book:

Mary Eileen Williams / Fiesty Side of Fifty

Kirsten Harrell / I Pop In

Pam Archer / I Do Weddings

To pick up a copy for yourself, please go to Amazon

PRESS AND BENEFITS

I saved a LOT of newspapers this weekend. The story I wrote about D-PAN appeared in two publications--Filter and The Mirror. AND the Free Press ran a nice little story with a BIG picture about our fundraiser for Carolyn Steele. Carolyn, who plays soccer for the Mydols soccer club, lost her eye in a freak accident. Her out of pocket medical expenses to date were $2000 and we raised $1800 last night!

I also went to a beneift for D-PAN (Deaf Performing Artists Network) on Friday night. It was really special. It was fascinating to see just about everyone in the audience signing. Makes me want to learn American Sign Language. The organizers did some fairly exciting things--like the dance floor moved to the sound of the music, as did some of the seating and they had video screens everywhere and bands played and people got on stage and signed the lyrics. You really had to be there. It was incredible.

I also dragged my son Dylan to my video production class. We can now officially check out the cameras, mics etc. I have so many ideas for TV shows. I can't wait to get started!

BRAIN,CHILD

Check out the review of "Rock Star Mommy" by Lindsay Reed Maines in "Brain, Child"--the magazine for thinking mothers.

http://brainchildmag.com/essays/fall2008_maines.asp

RIDEN' WITH BIDEN

This has been such a crazy week I forgot to write about Joe Biden! I got to shake his hand at a rally in Flat Rock. I was given a VIP pass for taking a stranger into my house. (A campaign staffer from Georgia arrived last Saturday.)

It was kind of crazy--considering how little free time I have--to drive almost to Toledo. It ended up being great BECAUSE I got to talk to White House correspondent Don Gonyea of NPR. He was there covering the campaign and I actually know him from his days in Detroit on the U.A.W. beat for WDET. Get this, his daughter was born the day before Dylan at the same hospital. 15 1/2 years ago as we were driving to Beaumont we heard about the birth of Don's daughter. After I settled in, John took off to look for him leaving me to do my deep breathing by myself. (So much for the natural childbirth classes John took with me!) Well he found Don, and before they checked out of the hospital, the Gonyea's came into my room with their little girl who scored a perfect 10 APGAR score. I was so jealous. Dylan only got an 8.

SIGN OF THE TIMES

Check out my article on Sean Forbes and D-PAN in the September 18 issue of Filter magazine. I can't wait to go to the D-PAN fundraiser this Friday night at the Magic Bag.

http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008809180341

WILLIE'S IN THE NEWS

This photo appeared in the Farmngton Observer!

THE NEW MYDOLS

The new Mydols featuring April Boyle, Wensdy White and me!

Ben, our house guest, arrived late last night. He drove through the pouring rain all the way from Georgia. My son Willie couldn't wait to greet him. He's young and orginally from the DC area. We showed him his room, gave him the password to use the Internet and watched TV with him. We are so happy he is here to help Michigan for Change. Ben went to bed early because he had to get up at 8 AM. I made him some breakfast--his first homemade meal in months--and gave him a house key. He was out the door by 9 AM and it's almost 7:30 PM and he hasn't been home. His dedication is an inspiration.

It's rained all day. I wrote a story about D-PAN (Deaf Performing Artists Network) and turned it in. It will be in Filter magazine next Thursday. (I think.)

David Reed called and I made my only trip outdoors to go pick up the Mydols photo shoot disc. I was really happy with the pix.

FRIDAY FRENZY

Ok... Yesterday (Friday) I was gone from 9 AM to 9 PM. It was one of the craziest days of my life.

9 AM - I went shopping for cleaning supplies. On Thursday night I got a phone call from the Obama campaign asking if we could house a staffer from Georgia for a week or so. His name is Ben and he's here to help with Michigan for Change. We have plenty of room but we are the neatest people thus the cleaning supplies. His room is spic and span now.

10 AM - We had a meeting about a reality TV show starring the Mydols. We talked for 2 hours with a couple of producers.

1 PM - I had a meeting with Teri from the Bliss Network. I am helping her with her web site. I am also designing the DVD packaging for the documentary "Momz Hot Rocks."

2 PM - I spoke to my lit agent. The Mydols are doing a book together!! Yay!

2:30 PM - I drop off 6 stuffed pizzas for the JV soccer team at Royal Oak High School. I NEVER felt more popular. The boys were sooooooo happy to see those pies. They were gushing.

3 PM - I got my hair done at Flip in Ferndale. Color and cut. April (the Mydols lead singer) was also there. We look fantastic. They did Wensdy's hair earlier. They are the official hair salon of the Mydols and I could not be happier with the results.

6:30 PM - I had my first training class at CMN Public Access Television station. Look for Mydols' TV on local cable in January. I am super excited to produce a TV show dedicated to cool moms in metro Detroit.

9:30 PM - Dylan won his soccer game 7-0 in Anchor Bay and no sooner got home and he was out the door for a sleepover. Willie and I went to Blockbuster and rented "Bonneville".

11:00 PM - I crashed on the sofa. (John is in Traverse City at a conference)


Today (Saturday) the Mydols' had a photo shoot. The pix looked cute as Wensdy is 8 months pregnant. I hope to get a disc from David Reed as early as Sunday.

Ben is on his way!

UNCLE JOHN'S BATHROOM READER

So today I was at work and Joe comes up to me and says, "Is your husband's name John?"

"Er, yeah. Why?"

"I read a story about John and Judy Davids in 'Uncle John's Bathroom Reader."

"What?"

I have to admit I am a little flattered to be included in a book about pop culture. The story is about our fight to save Tiger Stadium. We spent 11 years of our life doing that in the 1990s and 8 years later people sitting on toilets are reading our names. So maybe I shouldn't be flattered.

FLIP

The Mydols are estatic to announce that Irene Petts' "Flip" is the official hair salon of the band. Flip is located at 251 W. Nine Mile in fabulous Ferndale, Michigan. We can't wait to show off our new dos. We are working on an upcoming photo shoot and the details of a salon discount for our fans. Stay tuned....

WHAT A DAY

We all got up early this morning for Willie's first game on his travel soccer team--a 10:15 am game at the Romeo Peach Fest Tournament. It was fun to meet a bunch of new parents. From there it was off to Troy for a pool party for the Royal Oak High School JV team. Great food. Great friends. And great pool! We stayed about 3 hours and then it was back to Romeo for Willie's second game. On the way we picked up a Strut Magazine. My story on Wii Fit is out this month. I finally got home at around 9:00 pm. The boys and John went back to the pool party!

THE BIRD FEEDER

High school soccer has begun and I have spent the last two nights selling pizza to hungry teenage boys. Willie and I enjoy working in the Raven's concession stand, which is called "The Bird Feeder", for the Varsity soccer games. Last night we worked with the Morton family.

I must admit, I hate structure. And there is a big part of me that dreads the idea that beginning next week the kids will be locked to timetables. BUT at the same time this has been such a great (though hectic) week. I don't want to complain. Because like that Trace Adkins' song I know I'm going to "miss this" one day--the time of year, when the days get shorter and the nights get cooler and the kids pick up their class schedules and soccer begins!

GUITAR HERO

I was mentioned in a cute story about about moms who play Guitar Hero in the Detroit Free on Sunday. (They also plugged my book!)

Check out the story at: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080824/TWIST01/808240316/1025/FEATURES

dBUSINESS

Hey! Check out the September issue of Dbusiness with the Mydols inside!!

D-PAN INTERVIEW

On Tuesday I had a book signing at Island Books on Mackinac Island. The whole family went. We got up early (5:30 aM) drove there, spent the day riding bikes and eating and came home. I went to bed at midnight and had to get up and work today. ARGH!

PLEASE check out http://www.mydols.tv/!!!!

Mydols.TV is something new from the Mydols. I did my first interview with Sean Forbes and I am really happy with how it turned out. (Amy Ingalls and I did it on a shoestring budget and really really fast too! We Rock!!)

BBQ

This afternoon we had a BBQ with some architects and educators from our school district to talk about the A&E curriculum at my son's high school. It was was a kids' nightmare-to have teachers, principals, lawyers and board members in your back yard. My son pretty much wanted to hide.

All in all it was a good meeting-great food and great conversation and lots of exchanges of email addresses.

MYDOLS.TV

I am really excited to interview Scott Forbes from D-Pan. Scott is the founder of the network featuring deaf performing artists AND he is also one of the performers. He's a rising star destined to be on MTV one day soon. I'll be interviewing him for Filter AND for http://www.mydols.tv. Mydols TV is something new for the band. Look for it to be up and running soon!

TIGER STADIUM

John was contacted today by Roger Weber from Local 4. He is doing a special on Tiger Stadium. Anyone who knows John and I know how much we loved that old ball park. Roger is going to interview John about our involvement in the Tiger Stadium Fan Club.

It got me thinking about my recent interview on Weekend America on American Public Media. I never listened to it. I was so emotional. I was afraid I sounded like a kook. Well I looked it up today and read my interview. Hey! I wasn't so bad. You can listen to the interview here:

http://weekendamerica.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/06/06/give_up/

Or you can read it:

My husband and I met in high school, actually. One of the things we had in common was the love of baseball -- and we fell in love, actually, at a place called Tiger Stadium, which was the home of the Detroit Tigers baseball team. And we spent many, many, many summer nights on dates there. One season we went to over 61 games. And we always sat in the same seats in the lower deck right field bleachers and we met some pretty famous and infamous people there. One time Toni Tennille from Captain and Tennille sat in our section. It's the place that we fell in love with each other, with a team, with a city and with a stadium.

So 1989, we were leaving the stadium and we were approached by this tiny little Irish woman who was passing out flyers that said "Save Tiger Stadium." I didn't see that there was a reason to build a new stadium and waste a lot of money on it, when it was perfectly fine. And, you know, maybe it was selfish of me to want it, but I wanted to preserve that part of my history.

A lot of people thought we were nuts and they were like "What are you doing, you know you can't fight City Hall, get over it, get on with your life" -- but we couldn't. Gosh, if you were to ask me 19 years ago if I thought I'd still be, like, involved in this, I would have thought, I just don't have 19 years to give up for this stadium. But I have.

In the end, we did lose and a new stadium was built. And, you know, one of the bad things about fighting for something very public is that you are perceived as kind of a loser when it's all over. But on the other hand I have, you know, learned a lot -- and now I'm basically fearless.

Also we practiced last night with the Mydols new singer April Boyle. She sounded great. We learned 4 new songs. That's crazy. We aren't normally that productive.

COOL VIDEO FROM D-PAN

FEELS LIKE FALL

The weather sure got cool this weekend. Geeze. I felt like carving a pumpkin.

Today the boys both had soccer practice. Willie with his new team the Renegades and Dylan has tryouts all week for the High School soccer team. I realy hate to see the kids go back to school. I like the freedom of summer. No bed times. No homework. But at the same time, there is something exciting about the fall and the promise of new beginnings.

Speaking of new beginnings, we start rehearsing this week with the Mydols' new singer April Boyle. Looking forward to working with her.

MEETINGS, PHONE CALLS AND MORE MEETINGS

I thought summer was supposed to be relaxing. This has been the busiest summer of my life and that's a good thing. (I hope!) I've really been excited about the possibility of working on a lot of exciting new projects and have been going to lots of meetings, meeting new people, and hearing new ideas from people as far away as Los Angeles. In the meantime I take a lot of joy in my sons and their accomplishments and the time we spend together. The kids FINALLY have me hooked on the TV show "Lost". I never understood it, but after making me watch ALL the episodes from Season 1 on I finally get it! Yay for me. The kids tease me because I have a crush on Locke. (They think that is gross!)

Gotta run...I have yet another meeting to run off to!

COOL WEBSITES

I had the pleasure of meeting two really fantastic women this weekend. On Friday I met with Teri Williams of www.theblissnetwork.com at Caribou Coffee. Teri is one the happiest, most positive people I have ever met.

I also met Pat Canine this weekend. Pat had a bunch of girls over for margaritas, tostadas and massages. Pat also has a very cool website called www.cheapdivrocetherapy.com.

Check both sites out!

YOU'RE NOBODY TILL SOMEBODY LOVES YOU

On Monday I was on MetroChickRadio plugging my book and talking about my house on a show about home style. From there I raced to my in-laws 60th anniversary party. It was so nice. My mother-in-law prepared a long speech and rattled off 60 years of memories like it was yesterday. We had so much food leftover we felt guilty. We drove around looking for a church to give it to and finally were led to Common Ground. They happily took our leftovers and it made a special night feel even better.

COOL NEW COVER ART!!!

That's me! Cool artwork for new Mydol CD is by Steven Blickenstaff.

METROMIX STORY!

Check out this interview with Laurie Lindeen and me by Robert del Valle for MetroMix!

http://detroit.metromix.com/music/article/rockin-mothers-judy-davids/524101/content

WEEKEND BOOK SIGNINGS

Yesterday I had a book signing at the Northville Candle and Gift Shop with Laurie Lindeen. Much thanks goes out to Beverly Lindeen (Laurie's Step Mom) for hosting a really terrific event complete with wine, cheese, fruit, cookies...Yikes! I ate a lot! After the signing the Mydols played at the Chase bar in Northville. Laurie joined us at the end of our set. The Northville Record was on hand to tape the whole darn thing. I really want to thank the Mydols' bass player, Wensdy, for setting up the whole thing. She did a really great job. Also thanks to Johnny Miller for driving back and forth from Ferndale to pick up various equipment so we would sound great and to Kara to for driving in from Lansing to sing. She is one busy girl!

Today I spent most of the morning working on a slide presentation for my in-law's 60th Anniversary. That's right. 6-0! Amazing. I was so wrapped up in it that I nearly was late for my book signing at Barnes & Noble today. We had a really great crowd. Laurie and I signed. The Mydols played. It was magic.

I will post all the various press we got when I get a minute to catch my breath!

READY TO HIT THE GRAVEL

Just got home from band practice. The Mydols are ready to hit the gravel on Thursday and be a part of the Family Fun Festival at Millenium Park in Chicago. We are playing two sets at noon and 2 PM.

This weekend we have a show in Northville and Royal Oak. I have a story coming out on the Pink page of the Observer & Eccentric this Friday.

WHAT A DAY, WEEK, MONTH

This morning I took Dylan to the doctor for an infection. He's ok. I ended up using one of my sick days. It was nice to be around the house in the morning with the boys. Willie and I decided to go up to Game Stop and spend some of his birthday money. On the way there we noticed a lot of commotion on 11 Mile Road. They were filmming a movie and we saw Clint Eastwood! It was pretty exciting.

I spent a lot of the afternoon doing some PR stuff for my upcoming book signing at Barnes & Noble in Royal Oak on July 27. I managed to get Laurie Lindeen on Detroit Today. You can hear her interview next Friday on WDET at 11 AM.

This evening I judged the Farmington Idol contest for the second year in a row. There were 10 contestants. It was brilliant. The first girl blew me away. She was just a teenager and she sang and played the guitar. She made me cry.

Every day and night of my life this week has been busy. Mydols' soccer games, band practice, The Miss Founder's Day Pageant, The Big Idea...and it doesn't slow down. This weekend the boys and I are campaigning for Senator Obama and we have 2 parties to go to and I have more band practice. Next week the Mydols play in Chicago on Thursday. We have performances in Northville and Royal Oak next Saturday and Sunday. On Monday the 28th my in-laws celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.

THE GIRLS ROOM RADIO SHOW

The Mydols' song Roller Derby Queen is the profile song on The Girls Room Radio Show on Myspace. You can listen to The Girls Room Radio Show on Thursday nights, 10pm to midnight, on KWVA in Eugene, OR.

BOP IT!

Argh! We had band rehearsal last night and I fumbled through a song called "Bop It". I practice it and practice it and when I play it--9 times out of 10--I mess it up. It's a true self-fullfilling prophecy. I'm afraid I'll suck and I DO! It is so frustrating. And it's ONLY that song. It scares me. It's a curse!!

(The Mydols travel to Chicago next Wednesday for two big shows so we are practicing like mad.)

Tonight, I'm a judge for The Miss Founder's Day contest at the Civic Theater. The girls are all teens. I spent last weekend reading their bios. They each had to write an essay and they were all really good. I was really pleased. On Friday, I'm a judge at Farmington Idol--a singing contest. Being a judge is hard work when there are so many talented people out there. I can really relate to Paula Abdul. I wish everyone cuold win!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLIE AND JOLIE-PITT TWINS

We celebrated Willie's birthday on July12 with a bunch of boys in Ontario. (Willie was really tickled that the Jolie-Pitt twins were born on his birthday.) The kids had a ball. We did a zillion things and everything was going swimmingly until Dylan cut his foot at the beach. We wrapped it up and took him to urgent care. He's fine but he's bummed he'll have to miss high school soccer training until it heals.

I'll be on the Big Idea AGAIN tomorrow. I just found out this evening.

GOT BABY SHOWER?

Got a baby shower coming up? The Mydols' have a unique gift idea for you!

Inspired by Mydols' bass players (past and present) we 've got a gift bundle for your bundle of joy: a "my mom rocks" baby bodysuit and the single "Lullaby". Our former bassist's father, James Caldwell, wrote the lyrics to this song in 1964 for Paige.

Lullaby

Ask your Mom to change your diapers
for a pair of windscreen wipers.
We can fix them on with bits of wire.
These will keep your bottom panel
cleaner than those bits of flannel
and should stop you sitting in the mire.
All your grown-up aunties
wear lacy things called panties
to which one day you no doubt will aspire...
But until that day is coming
we will keep the wipers humming
and will keep your little tail a darn sight drier.

Our current bassist Wensdy is pregnant!

You can order the cute set at http://www.cafepress.com/mydols.

BTW the cute baby on the front of the CD is Dylan!

MOMz HOT ROCKS

The much anticipated documentary "Momz Hot Rocks" will premier in New York on October 20! Our congratulations go out to filmmaker Kate Perotti who has relentlessly followed around mom bands like the Mydols since 2004. The DVD is available at MomzHotRocks.com. (And I am proud to say that's MY leg on the cover!)

CHEFMAMA.com

I have been dying to announce my involvement with ChefMama.com for some time now. I wanted to make a really big SPLASH! Wait until everything was just perfect...Well I should know better. If I waited for perfection, I would accomplish nothing! (But I am pretty close now so here it goes.)

I am partnering with Shelleen McHale and Jill Martens to bring busy moms (like me!) the easiest and best tasting recipes for families!

Here's how it works. Jill comes up with these great meals--a whole week's worth--and a list of all the items you need to pick up at the grocery store. She even organizes the list for you by putting produce, can goods, dairy etc... together. All the recipes are quick, easy and delicious.

So what do I do? I eat!! And I also design the ChefMama.com website. Shelleen does the marketing. We're a great team and I really am enjoying working with these two extremely creative moms.

So please check out ChefMama.com and sign up for weekly menus. It's FREE and easy!

SO MUCH GOING ON...

I have been really busy working on designs for several websites including Momz Rock the House (website design) and The Bliss Network (logo). In the meantime I am practicing guitar like crazy for the Mydols' BIG show in Chicago at Millenium Park and here locally at the Royal Oak Barnes & Noble. The Mydols will play with the lovely Ms. Laurie Lindeen.