Dbusiness

The Mydols did a photo shoot today at 4 Green Fields with Brad Ziegler. The picture will appear in DBusiness. I know the Mydols don't seem like businesswomen but that is the fun of it. We were all seated at a table with guitars in hand and there was a mob all around us. I saw a couple of the shots. They were great.

I am doing a really fun writing assignment for Strut Magazine and I pitched another idea to Vital today. I love writing for magazines.

Last night I met with my memoir writing class at Gilda's Club. One of my students bought me the COOLEST purse. It says "ROCK ANGEL" on it. It means so much to me. My students at Gilda's are so wonderful--many of them have been battling cancer for a long while but you would never know it. They are all so much fun to be around.

What else? Oh I am going to judge a couple of contests this summer. I'll judge the finals of Farmington Idol for the third year in a row and I'll also be judging the Miss Farmington Pageant.

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE!

My friend Jeanette sent me a bunch of photos from the Royal Oak Memorial Day Parade. Willie was in TWO parades. That's him on the trumpet and then he raced ove and joined me in the convertible in the Hazel Park Memorial Day Parade!

HOT ROD YOUR HOME

I made a new light fixture using Adam Turman's artwork from the Mydols' single Hot Rod Your Home!

GREG BEHRENDT BLURB

Greg Behrendt the author of "It's Called a Breakup Because It's Broken" sent a blurb for "Rock Star Mommy" today he wrote:

"A rockin' sweet tome."

I'm thrilled he read my book. The Mydols flew out to LA a few years ago to appear on his talk show and he was really nice. He lives next door to Clem Burke too--how cool is that?

LOTS OF NEWS

Where do I begin? So much stuff is going on. Let's see, I added two book signings this summer. I'll be at the Barnes & Noble in Royal Oak on July 27 with the Mydols and the fabulous Laurie Lindeen (pictured above) who'll be signing her awesome memoir "Petal Pusher". I'll also be at the Island Bookstore on Mackinac Island in August.

Stephen Blickenstaff is working on a new CD cover for the Mydols. It'll be very "mom"ster-ish! We're really excited to see what he comes up with.

The Mydols are really proud to be a part of the Hazel Park Memorial Day Parade on May 26. Thank you Bob Saks for loaning us a HOT convertible for the big event.

I got my second assignment for Strut Magazine. I love Strut. Check out http://strutmag.com/content/coolest-mommy for my May article.

The Mydols will be in DBusiness (http://www.dbusinessmag.com/). Brad Ziegler (http://www.bradzieglerphotography.com/) is taking the photo. Take a look at his work. He's one of the BEST. And speaking of photographers, David Reed (who shot the cover of my book), is coming over tomorrow to shoot some photos for my next book. (I've been cleaning my house all day!)

I'M SOMEBODY!

Hey I just got my copy of the who's who of "Women in Ecommerce". You can find me on page 19.

Heidi Richards Mooney, Publisher and Founder, Women’s eCommerce Association, International says:

The Who’s Who Directory of Women in eCommerce is an annual publication recognizing women who promote their businesses to a global marketplace via the Internet. It’s THE Directory for Business women providing links to women's business ownership, business owners, business service, women's business advice, business enterprises, shopping, jewelry, fashion, beauty, wedding, and much more. This registry serves as an outstanding resource for networking and consulting as well as cultivating strategic alliances.

The mission of The Who’s Who Directory of Women in Ecommerce is "to support and promote women entrepreneurs around the globe."

Inclusion in the 2008 Edition of the Who’s Who Directory of Women in Ecommerce is open to woman-owned (at least 51%) companies and individuals who have been doing business via the WEB for at least one year prior to the date of publication. The publication is unlike others of the same genre in that once accepted, each woman is given the opportunity to determine the category that best represents her business. The result is that this registry represents more than 200 professions/industries from the US, Canada, Europe, Africa, and Australia.
Each basic listing (FREE) includes the name of the individual, the name of her company, her company website URL and slogan or tagline. Enhanced listings include additional contact information and a company logo (where available). In addition to the listings, there is a special report at the end of this directory entitled "Promoting Your Business on the WEB - 13 Strategies to Establish Your Brand, Get More Traffic, and Make More Money on the Internet." It is filled with WEB 2.0 strategies and more to grow your business online (and off).

Members of this directory are promoted via the Women’s ECommerce Association website and its subsidiaries including WE Magazine for Women. Press Releases announcing The Who’s Who Directory of Women in Ecommerce are sent to International Media contacts in conjunction with the preview of each new edition. If you are a member of the media or have any comments, questions, corrections or suggestions for future editions, contact news@wecai.org with "Who’s Who Directory Comment" in the subject line.

If you wish to have your profile considered for inclusion in future editions, you may do so by completing the Registration Form on the next page and mailing the information to heidi@wecai.org with "Who’s Who Directory Submission" in the subject line.

WEB CAM

Last night I was on the BIG IDEA with Donny Deutsch via my web cam. Technology is great. I simply logged into this "meeting" website and put on a headset I purchased at Radio Shack and I was able to interact with Donny and his guests in New Jersey. Admittedly, I was a tiny part of the show but it was still cool to be able to sit in my home office and appear on a national TV show.

I had a really busy weekend. The Ann Arbor Book Festival was great. I really enjoyed my panel discussion. The other authors were fascinating. And the performance by the Mydols was FANTASTIC. We had a really great crowd, especially considering the weather was really cold and blah! I think the folks in Ann Arbor are really open-minded and up for anything! They were dancing in the street while we played.

On Sunday I went to The Tribute to Grahm at the Magic Bag in Ferndale. I have so much respect for Judy Moon and her new book "Grahmmy and the 'Flying Bus'". It was a great event and I am really grateful to have met Judy.

AMY SHERMAN'S BOOK BLOG TOUR: "DISTRESS-FREE AGING"

I recently had the pleasure of reading “Distress-Free Aging” by Amy Sherman. It’s a meaningful 65 page E-book that I read in an afternoon but has lessons for a lifetime.

Amy has answers for questions many baby boomers (like me) may have like:

Who am I -- and where do I go from here?
Why can’t I succeed on my own?
Why is every day so boring and uninspiring?
What is it I really want to accomplish?
Is it really possible to be content at this stage of my life?

The book is full of insight from Amy’s years a licensed mental health counselor. It combines her experience, with research, insight exercises and humor. Lots of humor. In fact, there is a whole chapter devoted to having a sense of humor. I picked up a cute one-liner from Charles Schultz—“Just remember once you’re over the hill, you begin to pick up speed.” That has certainly been the case in my life!

These days—with my own book tour, The Mydols, my job and raising two teenage boys—I’m feeling like I am travelling at the speed of light and it’s stressing me out. No worries now though. I picked up some strategies for “Releasing Emotions” in Chapter 8. This book is GREAT!

You can find out more about “Distress-Free Aging” by visiting http://www.distressfreeaging.com/. The book is only $27 and EVERYONE can get something out of it. (Even if you think you are already doing everything right!) And isn't $27 cheap for having a future bigger than you ever imagined?

Yesterday the blog tour was hosted at Rosie Horners blog at http://www.rosiesboomerreview.com/ and tomorrow it will continue with Lisa Fredette's blog at http://www.lisafredette.com/blog.

ANOTHER BIG IDEA

I'll be on The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch on Monday, May 19 via my web cam. It marks my fourth appearance on the show.

TRIBUTE TO GRAHM

I have been working on a website based on the artwork of a women I met on Writer's Block Radio. Her name is Judy Moon and she has a new book that comes out this weekend called "Grahmmy and the 'Flying Bus'". It's a story she wrote for her son. Here's Grahmmy's story:

Grahm Moon Jahr was born March 5, 2002. He was miracle baby that Judy Moon and Jeff Jahr thought they could never have. He was a dynamic bundle of joy. With his curly golden locks and beautiful blue eyes, he won the hearts of everyone that met him including the staff and students of Bluebird House in Southfield and Rogers Elementary in Berkley.

Then at age 4, the unthinkable happened. Grahm developed a bad cold that he couldn’t get rid of. After several visits to the doctor, and a loss of 5 pounds in a week, a CT Scan at Beaumont Hospital showed a tumor. Grahm was diagnosed with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma. The Jahr family would go through 40 weeks of chemotherapy and 6 weeks of proton beam radiation therapy in Indiana. The treatment showed signs of hope—the tumor was shrinking and Grahm was able to attend summer school, which he loved—especially the bus ride. He was having the time of his life.

Unfortunately, while on the break from his treatment, the tumor began growing again—this time uncontrollably. Chemo started up again. On the second day, Grahm went into a coma. Judy sensed the evitable and Grahm was afraid. She began telling him a story—that a magical flying bus was going to come for him and take him to a new school in heaven where he would be greeted by angels and new friends. She told him Mommy and Daddy wouldn’t be going but that he could come back and visit any time. While Judy told the story, Jeff noticed a tear running down Grahm's cheek. They knew he heard the story, and now you can too.

There is a tribute to Grahm this weekend at the Magic Bag in Ferndale. For more info please visit: www.grahmmy.com.

THANK YOU BOB SAKS!!

A big heartfelt "Thank You" goes out to Bob Saks for lending the Mydols a convertible for the Memorial Day Parade!

If you are looking for a new car or truck please visit: www.bobsaks.com.

ANN ARBOR BOOK FESTIVAL

Come out and meet me and the Mydols at the Ann Arbor Book Festival this weekend. I'll be part of the:

The Power of Mom – Authors Discuss the Influence of Motherhood - ProQuest Stage on N. University Ave.

Moderator: Lisa Garrigues – Writing Motherhood
Julie Halpert – Making Up with Mom
Jane Bernstein – Rachel in the World
Judy Davids – Rock Star Mommy

There may be no other relationship explored as much in literature as that of mothers and daughters. From fairy tales to memoir, numerous books have looked at the ways in which mothers and daughters interact—in loving ways and otherwise. Join a panel of women who are both mothers and daughters, and who have written extensively about the dynamics of these bonds, from the tensions caused by special needs, to the desire to keep one's own identity while taking on the role of mother. This is certain to be a conversation with depth, heartfelt insight and much laughter.

Lisa Garrigues is an award-winning writer and experienced educator. In addition to teaching Writing Motherhood, she leads a variety of courses and workshops in writing memoir. She graduated from the University of California at Berkeley and earned a master's degree in education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She lives in Ridgewood, New Jersey, with her husband and two children. Lisa will moderate this panel.

Jane Bernstein was born in Brooklyn, NY, and educated at New York University and Columbia University. She is the author of five books, most recently Rachel in the World. Her film work includes the screenplay for the Warner Brothers movie Seven Minutes in Heaven. Her essays and articles have appeared widely in such places as The New York Times Magazine, Ms., Creative Nonfiction, The Massachusetts Review, and Glamour. Among her fellowships and awards are two Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Fellowships, one in creative writing and one in media arts, and two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships in Creative Writing. Jane is a professor of English and creative writing at Carnegie Mellon University and lives in Pittsburgh, PA.

Judy Davids is a music fan, mother, and leader of one of the first "mommy" rock bands in the country—The Mydols. Davids' memoir, Rock Star Mommy, is a rallying cry for every woman who fondly recalls when she spent more time in mosh pits than "Mommy and Me" classes to adopt a rock 'n roll attitude toward life.

Julie Halpert is a journalist with over two decades of experience writing for national publications, including The New York Times, Newsweek, The Washington Post, Family Fun and Parents. She is a regular on-air contributor to various public radio programs. Her new book is Making Up With Mom: Why Mothers and Daughters Disagree About Kids, Careers and Casseroles (and What to do About It).

The Mydols will perform on the same stage at 5:00 PM.

BAD MUSIC FOR BAD PEOPLE

So I was on What'd Ya Know talking to Michael Feldman and I was giddy. And I happened to mention that one of the reasons our band is called the Mydols is because we love the CRAMPS! And guess who was listening? Lux Interior? Well maybe. I don't know. He might have been. BUT! Stephen Blickenstaff was for sure. I know this because he emailed me! Stephen did the "Bad Music" cover for the Cramps and he offered his services to us. We are honored!

You can listen to my interview at http://www.notmuch.com/.

CAREER DAY

Today I had the pleasure of speaking to 6 different groups of 7th graders at Royal Oak Middle School about being an author. I brought gig posters, CDs, magazine articles, post cards, bookmarks--and all things Mydols--and of course my memoir "Rock Star Mommy". I got to speak to each group for about 20 minutes and do a brief Q & A. The kids were so polite and well behaved. It was a joy.

Before I began speaking, one of my son's teachers pulled me aside and said that Willie keeps the class up-to-date with the various happenings concerning my book. I noticed postcards and bookmarkers on the bulletin board. The teacher explained to me that Willie glows whenever he talks about my book. I thought I was going to cry. It was a really happy moment for me.

IF YOU MISSED MY BLOG TOUR...

Did you miss my blog tour? Check it out!

Also a great BIG thank you to Sue Fabisch and Karla Lawson for having me on their show: Mommy Time Radio. I had a ball!

HEY MOM! I'M ON NPR!

I couldn't sleep last night. I was so excited to talk to Michael Feldman this morning. I'm here in Nashville with my parents, husband and kids staying with my sister Kim and her family and I was on What'd Ya Know? I had to sneak up stairs and take the call from my nephew' bedroom. (There's a house full of people here!) Wow! I still can't believe I was on the show. Michael was really nice to me and he even played a Mydols' tune--Run Crazy Baby. You can listen to a podcast of the show at:
http://www.notmuch.com/Show/

I'm now off to the Williamson County Library to do an author talk.

(Oh, and yesterday I saw my book at a Barnes & Noble down here. That was really exciting!)

A MYDOL GOES TO MUSIC CITY

What a surprise! I got an email from Sue Fabisch directing me to look at http://www.mommytimeradio.com/. Sue is a multi-talented singer/songwriter and now playwright. She's written and produced Motherhood, the Musical. (www.MommyMusic.com) Oh, and of course, she's a radio personality too! (I'm never going to complain again about how busy I am.) I'm looking forward to being in Nashville this weekend and speaking at the Williamson County Public Library and being live in the studio with Sue on her radio show.

I also found out today that I'll be speaking at my son's middle school on career day. Mrs. Weather's has requested I wear my go-go boots and bring my guitar. OH BOY! Fun!

MORE BLOG TOUR DATES

May 5: Heidi Caswell / Connect Simply Blog http://www.connectsimply.com/blog/michigan-mom-tells-her-story-about-being-a-rock-star-mommy/

May 6: Kathie Thomas / Blessed Readings Blog http://www.blessedreading.com/

May 7: Teresa Morrow / Key Business Partners http://www.keybusinesspartners.com/2008/05/07/business-life-lessons-i-received-from-reading-judy-davids%e2%80%99-book-rock-star-mommy/

May 8: Beverly Mahone / Boomer Diva Nation http://www.boomerdivanation.com/blog

May 9: Amy Sherman / Bummed out Bommer http://www.bummedoutboomer.com/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

"It is never too late to be what you might have been." -- George Eliot

B & N BOOK SIGNING

OMG! I am so excited about being on What'd Ya Know that I forgot to mention my book signing at Barnes & Noble. It was amazing.

First of all the Mydols rock! Our new lineup with Wensdy Von Buskirk and Johnny Miller is really clicking and we are sounding great. We played 5 songs in the cafe area and who should show up but the NTH Marketing Department with video cameras and the works. Did I mention I LOVE my co-workers! The big production made me feel like JK Rowling. It was so cool. The editor of the Michigan Catholic also showed up and so did photographer Brad Ziegler who is going to take my picture for a Detroit business magazine. Check out his work at www.bradzieglerphotography.com. It's fantastic.

Beth from Barnes & Noble said it was one of the best book signings they've had. (Only Mitch Albom had more people.) I was really thrilled. I almost cried when I saw everyone--old co-workers, high school classmates, neighbors, soccer friends. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.

What'd Ya Know! Not Much.

So a few weeks ago I sent a copy of "Rock Star Mommy" to Michael Feldman of the radio show What'd Ya Know which I listen to on Saturdays on WUOM. It's this really funny show out of Madison, Wisconsin--that airs nationally-- and is filled with all sorts of goofy tidbits of information and I love it (and so do my kids.) Each week there's a quiz and there is a guest. Well when I sent Michael my book, I explained to him that I thought I would make the perfect "Mother's Day" weekend guest.

Today I got a phone call. He got my book and I'm going to be on the show this weekend! WOO!WOO! I was at work when I got the call and I was jumping up and down like a nerd. I felt like a kid who wrote to Santa and got a letter back. Dreams come true.

CATCHING UP!

I feel like I've barely had time to breathe the last few days.

The Mydols were the musical guest on the Mitch Albom Show last Friday. We got to play 3 times and we were smashing! Yay! I think even Mitch was impressed. He said we've improved since the last time we saw him. He joked he "even heard us play 2 chords" this time. He was REALLY kind and funny and the time flew by so quickly. Thanks Mitch and Kenny for having us on. (Like they read my blog.)

Saturday was Mamapalooza at the Detroit Zoo and despite the horrific weather, it went really well. The Mydols played first and we had a rough start but after that it all went swimmingly. The rest of the lineup included Sara Covatta, The Aprons, Robin Moore, Maggie McCabe and Cindy Anderson. MOMS ROCK!

Today is the BIG book signing at Barnes & Noble. The Mydols will play about 3 songs and then sign books!

NTH NEWSLETTER

Some press is REALLY special. Like when you are in the Wall Street Journal OR the NTH Newsletter "The Core". I work for NTH and they did a story on my book that went out to all our offices across Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

I'VE WANTED 6 YEARS TO DO THIS

It's a familiy affair in Detroit. Kid Rock and Mom Rock on the same cover!

DETROIT TODAY

I just want to say how much fun I had at WDET today with Craig Fahle. It was great to be back on the campus of my alma mater Wayne State University. I arrived at around 11:30 AM and was agog at all the new buildings. Even WDET has new digs since I was a student. It was nice to put on the headphones and settle into a great interivew. I felt so comfortable and giggled a lot on air. You can listen to an mp3 of the show here: http://wdetfm.org/detroittoday/entry.php?entry=374