Check out my "Rock Star Mommy" Column on Patch.com.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
PostEgram Offers Family Yearbooks!
Let PostEgram print your Facebook network status updates and photos into a perfect-bound, bookstore-quality paperback. Include up to 15 people in your family.
Yearbooks start at $45.
I just got mine back from the printer and I LOVE it. It's very professional looking. The color pages are wonderful. It's like a combination journal/scrapbook of all the people I love. What a great gift for future generations! I wish there was Facebook when my grandmothers were alive.
Email judy@postegram.com and get a quote!
Judy Davids
PostEgram Co-founder
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Thank you Quicken Loans!
PostEgram loves Quicken Loans. Thank you for helping PostEgram connect soldiers to their facebook, even when they are a long way from home.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
It's been awhile!
It's been a long time since I've blogged. I have been super busy. Between family, business, band, volunteering and writing my own column on www.patch.com I rarely have a spare moment.
I think my New Year's resolution is going to be to change that.
I think my New Year's resolution is going to be to change that.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Happy Veterans Day!
Last night PostEgram was honored to be a part of the Cleveland Cavs Military Family Appreciation Night at the Q.
Together, with the Cleveland USO, we gave away 1000 PostEgram subscriptions to keep military families connected to their loved ones.
The Armed Forces make enormous sacrifices to serve our country. Keeping in touch with family shouldn't be one of those sacrifices.
Happy Veterans Day!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Let's Girlavant!
Today more than ever women need to celebrate their unique bonds. Join together with your sisters. Created with love and joy, inspired by the experiences originally shared between a mother and a daughter, Girlavanting captures the essence of your inner goddess, with room to write your notes.
http://girlavanting.com/BooksandProducts.html
With Girlavanting you'll find over 90 tried and true imaginative, playful, and juicy, tips and treasures to share, with room to write your notes. This guide is the ultimate resource for you and your "girls" - sisters, daughters, mothers, friends and more. Honor your inner goddess!
Today more than ever women need to celebrate their unique bonds. Join together with your sisters. Created with love and joy, inspired by the experiences originally shared between a mother and a daughter, Girlavanting captures the essence of your inner goddess.
http://girlavanting.com/BooksandProducts.html
Marianne Williamson says:
"GIRLAVANTING shows how to ENJOY being a girl. And how to teach your friends (and daughters!) to enjoy it, too. Both fun and enlightening."
With Girlavanting you'll find over 90 tried and true imaginative, playful, and juicy, tips and treasures to share, with room to write your notes. This guide is the ultimate resource for you and your "girls" - sisters, daughters, mothers, friends and more. Honor your inner goddess!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Mydols, Rah Rahs and the B52s!
This was the show of our lives!
The Mydols opened for the B52s at the Motor City Casino in front of a sold out crowd.
At the end of the B52s set, Kate thanked us.
AW!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
FLIPPED
Every once and awhile, because I'm a mommy blogger, I get asked to do something really cool. Yesterday was one of those days. I got to sit in on a conference call with Rob Reiner. The minute I heard his voice I recognized that delightful New York accent.
Now to be truthful, I haven't heard much about his new movie "Flipped". But it was so interesting listening to him and Penelope Ann Miller talk about it.
It's a movie about growing up, families, first love and values--and the theme really is how our families shape our values. And what makes us rich as people doesn't have much to do with money.
I liked it when Rob said he just keeps making the same movie over and over--the boy meets girl movie. And why is it that the girl is always so much wiser and mature? And why are boys so clueless and confused? It was fun to hear him talk. We (about a dozen mommy bloggers) all chuckled.
I am really excited to see this movie. Sounds like it's the kind of film that you can see with your kids and everyone enjoys it--and maybe you learn something about yourself and life or maybe just the women "get it" way before men. (That's a good lesson for boys!)
Anyway, if families don't go see this film we send a message to Hollywood that we prefer movies about vampires and aliens. I hope a lot of people see "Flipped" to tell Hollywood we want to see movies about humans. I know I can't wait to see it!
Watch the trailer at: http://flipped-movie.warnerbros.com/
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
This past week has been amazing. So much stuff going on. It makes my head spin. So here are the highlights of just one week of my life.The Mydols travelled to Frederick MD and played the Baker Park Bandshell. The crowd was great. We sounded great. Best show of the summer. (Oh and our hotel rooms rocked. I truly felt like a rock star!)
Dylan got his Senior picture proofs. They're adorable.
Our family bought a brand spankin' new Dodge Journey. We love it.
John and Willie drove me to Chicago to talk about my book "Rock Star Mommy" on the Mamapalooza stage at BeBe Paluzza. Wow! That's a lot of zzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Quicken Loans, my favorite online mortgage export began the "Thanks a Million Sweepstakes" on Monday and they are giving away 3000 PostEgrams! I LOVE QL.
Also on Monday a PR firm representing a very BIG organization in the United Kingdom contacted us about doing a branded service for their client. (I am crossing my fingers and toes!)
Last night the Mydols appeared on Gene Simmons Family Jewels. How cool is that? It was worth every minute of the wait. Adam Freeman rocks as a producer. He delivered everything he promised us.
Today I set up a meeting with a very special non-profit foundation that may be interested in partnering with PostEgram.
Tomorrow John, me and the boys are all volunteering at the CMA High makeover which is part of the new reality TV show “School Pride,” from executive producers Cheryl Hines (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) and Denise Cramsey (“Extreme Makeover Home Edition”).
So how's that for a week? No wonder I am so happy (and tired).
(And on top of everything I have the greatest husband and kids in the world. I am so proud of them.)
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
TOSHIBA SATELITTE U505
Every once and a while I contacted to review products for moms and families. It's pretty neat, but sometimes the products aren't. HOWEVER, I can HONESTY say I have never gotten anything cooler than the Toshiba Satellite U505. I know it's supposed to be for students--it's super cute--but I can't turn it over to the kids. Not yet. Maybe never. (Dylan, my 17-year-old, has played around with it and he loves it too.)Here's what I like about it so far.
I like the size of it. It's travel friendly. It fits easily in my bag. It's a little bit heavy for it's size though.
I love the battery on this thing. (Maybe that's why it's heavy.) I brought this laptop to work and used it ALL day and it never lost it's charge.
And I LOVE the back-lit keyboard. A lot of times in the evening I watch TV with the lights off and do my Facebook. The lighted keys make it very convenient.
I'm just getting started folks! Next I want to check out the Toshiba Bulletin Board software that comes with it.
Stay tuned!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
POSTEGRAM IS IN THE NEWS!
Read Marty Keenan's story on PostEgram in the Detroit News. Click on this link:
http://detnews.com/article/20100609/BIZ/6090347/1001/biz
Friday, May 14, 2010
INTERVIEW WITH CHICAGO MOMSLIKEME.COM
I was interviewed by Lisa Bakewell of Chicago this week. Lisa is the City Ambassador for Chicago MomsLikeMe.com. A full-time freelance writer in the Chicagoland area, she enjoys writing profiles, instructional pieces and articles on money-saving ideas. Some of her work can be seen in ALL YOU Magazine, Massage and Bodywork, Pulse Magazine, Fabricator, several other trade magazines and in her local paper, The Herald News. Read the interviw here or go to MomsLikeMe.com.
Recently, Chicago MomsLikeMe.com had the pleasure of talking with Royal Oak, Michigan's Judy Davids, the founder and guitar player of the Mydols, an “all-mom rock band that proves you can do anything--lovehandles, soccer games, screaming kids and all!”
As a mom in one of the first-ever all-mom bands, Judy gives a lot of insight on what it takes to follow your heart…and still be a great mom. “I always tell people we're a ‘mom band’,” she says “and the word ‘mom’ is first for a reason.” Mom first, rocker second, but she’s having a great time doing both…and then some! Here’s what she shared with Chicago MomsLikeMe.com:
Q. You decided that you wanted to be a rock star at age 42. How did that idea come about? Had you always wanted to be in a band?
A. In 2002, I was the editor for my sons' elementary school newspaper and the organizer of an after school club called the Writers Club. There was a girl in our club who was the niece of Jack White--of the band the White Stripes. The girl's father arranged for Jack to come in and be interviewed by the kids. He was so, so cool. He talked to the kids about music and songwriting and convinced me that I wanted to be a rock star. I am pretty sure that wasn't his intent, but it happened. I signed up for guitar lessons the next day. About 20 years earlier, I thought about joining a band but decided I wasn't cool enough, or thin enough to pull it off. At age 42, I finally found my confidence--love handles and all. I was able to bamboozle three other moms in my neighborhood into starting a band with me!
Q. Your band is the Mydols. Great name! Is it too obvious to ask how you came up it?
A. Well there was a lot of discussion about what to call a band of moms. I liked Hot Flash and Mid Life Crisis but the other moms were a lot younger than me and HATED those names. We had a list of names. One of them was The Pills. When my husband, John, heard it, he suggested "The Mydols". Everyone loved it.
Q. I’m from Southeast Michigan (Ypsilanti), myself, and I went to a LOT of concerts in the late 70s - early 80s--I think it was a requirement, since I was so close to Detroit. Did you attend a lot of concerts as a teen? If so, who were your favorite bands?
A. Oh my goodness. I went to so many concerts. I didn't have two nickels to rub together when I was young but I saw every big act that came through Detroit--Led Zepplin, the Rolling Stones, the Who, Bob Dylan. In college, my husband (who I met went I was 18) and I LIVED to see bands in bars. We saw many bands before they got big like REM, the B-52s, the Vilolent Femmes, the Ramones--the list goes on and on. My favorite bands though were the Ramones, the Replacements and the Cramps (which is one more reason why I love the name The Mydols).
Q. I was able to the Ramones at a bar in Ann Arbor in the early 80s. It was great fun, and I loved them from that point on! Were you able to see them live?
A. Yes, I did see the Ramones in Detroit. I have I friend who was able to trade an oil painting for Joey Ramone's leather jacket. Joey Ramone was really, really thin and the jacket didn't fit my friend, so he gave it to me. (I never told him it doesn't fit me either!) It's one of my treasures.
Q. Which bands inspire the Mydols brand of music? What would you consider your genre?
A. In the beginning the bands that inspired the Mydols the most were other Detroit bands--like the White Stripes, the Gories, and the Dirt Bombs. These bands were our heroes and we were lucky to see them play in small bars. Today we have to inspire ourselves. (My husband got kind of sick of all my "band research" after a while!) We mainly write songs about being moms--so I guess we our own category of "Mom Rock".
Q. Practicing must be tough. How do you make the time?
A. It's very hard. April Boyle (lead singer) has 3 kids. Wensdy Von Buskirk (bass) has 2. And Laura Spern (drums) has SIX kids. I have 2. Our schedules are nothing compared to the 13 kids' schedules. So it is very difficult to find time for practice. We try to have a standing rehearsal every Monday at 6:30, but it gets cancelled a lot.
Q. And concerts…are you gone every weekend?
A. We play about once or twice a month, AND we've gone from a bar band to a family act. We like to play for moms and kids a lot better than staying up until 2 AM in smoke-filled dives. Our music has changed slightly to adapt to our new crowd but we still ROCK. Little kids love to dance and rock out.
Q. Is your family supportive? Your kids? Your husband? (I can’t say that mine would be thrilled…)
A. Yes. My husband is the greatest. He loves our music and he's our biggest fan. I started the Mydols when my kids were 9 and 6. They are both in high school now. So they grew up with mom in a band. For them it's not such a big deal that I play guitar. However, the Mydols just shot an episode of Gene Simmons Family Jewels, which will air sometime this spring. And they probably wouldn't admit it, but I can tell that impressed them.
Q. I did read that the Mydols are going to appear on Gene Simmons Family Jewels. How did that come about? Are you excited? Have you met Gene Simmons before?
A. I guess Gene had somehow heard of us, so we met him in Detroit. He came right into our lives--this larger than life figure. To say it was exciting is an understatement. It was thrilling beyond belief. I don't want to say too much. You will just have to watch the show.
Q. How do you balance your “mom duties” while being a rocker?
A. It's not as hard as you would think. We all put our families first. It's nice, you know, that we are all moms because we are all very understanding. We'll probably never win a Grammy because we don't practice as much as we should, but our kids are all really well-behaved and normal. I always tell people we're a 'mom band'--and the word mom is first for a reason.
Q. Obviously, you’re a goal setter and, by appearances, it seems that you love to LIVE your life. What do you attribute this to?
A. I attribute my success to growing up in a small house with a stay-at-home mom who didn't give us everything we wanted. We had to sort of create our own fun and use our imagination. I got really good at that. Maybe even too good. I am borderline dillusional. I don't have to see something to believe it--I just have to believe it and then I SEE it. I saw the Mydols in PEOPLE magazine two years before it happened, but it happened.
Q. Do you have any beliefs about goal setting?
A. My goal setting secret is to tell a lot of people what it is that I want to accomplish. I think when you do that others will hold you accountable. It's kind of funny--all the good things in life we won't do for ourselves--but we will do them for other people. Also, I heard once if you just write something on a piece of paper you are twice as likely to actually do it. But most importantly, you have to believe in yourself. If you don't, why would anyone else?
Q. What other media/venues have you done? Which are your favorites? Why?
A. We have been written up in everything from People Magazine to the Wall Street Journal and have appeared on shows like CBS Sunday Morning and the Big Idea with Donny Deutsch. We've performed in LA, Oakland, New York, Nashville, Chicago, Cleveland and more. My favorite place to play is in the Twin Cities in Minnesota. For some reason we are treated like stars there. We've played in front of 2000 people in St. Paul and have been and radio and TV there. Weird, huh?
Q. You wrote Rock Star Mommy. Did you enjoy writing the book? What were you hoping to convey to other moms in your book?
A. I wrote the book because people were always so curious about us. They made me wonder about myself. Why did I do this so late in life? Was I going through some sort of mid-life crisis? I think the answer is, I did it when I was ready. In my twenties I was too hung up with what other people thought of me. Your so-called friends can be so cruel when you are young. The good news is that, as you get older, your friends stop competing with you and start supporting you. I wrote the book because I wanted to thank all our friends and fans that made it possible for us to live a dream.
Q. I read that you’re everyday persona is different than your on-stage persona. True?
A. Yes! By day, I am the CEO of PostEgram. PostEgram is making it possible for those without a computer or the desire to socially network online, to keep in touch with their loved ones. I crafted the idea after noticing my mother-in-law, who does not have a computer, was missing out on family news and photos that are posted daily on Facebook. PostEgram uses an application on Facebook® Platform that gives users the ability to transform their personal updates and photos into a full-color printed newsletter, which is then delivered to the mailboxes of family and friends. My mother-in-law was our first customer.
Q. Do you consider The Mydols a success?
A. Are we succesful? Well, we don't have any gold records hanging in our studio--we don't even have a studio-- but we have had more than our fair share of rock and roll moments.
Q. Do you get any grief from other moms about being a rocker? If so, how do you handle the criticism?
A. I have never heard any grumblings. Perhaps that is because my amp has made my deaf!
Q. If you had one thing that you’d like Chicago MomsLikeMe.com moms to know, what would it be?
A. I want women to know that it really is never too late to follow your heart. And for moms, I want them to know that being a mom is the hardest job in the world. It takes long hours, creativity and patience.
If you love motherhood, being the CEO of a company is a piece of cake. I know. I just started a new company with my partner Ken Bloink. Ken is amazing. Really smart and talented, but he is 28 and has never been a mother. Honestly, I teach him something new everyday.
The Mydols have a new CD that just came out. It's called "Family Rules". It has 10 great songs that kids will love and moms too. (Even Dads will like it.) It's available through www.mydols.com or Amazon.
Recently, Chicago MomsLikeMe.com had the pleasure of talking with Royal Oak, Michigan's Judy Davids, the founder and guitar player of the Mydols, an “all-mom rock band that proves you can do anything--lovehandles, soccer games, screaming kids and all!”
As a mom in one of the first-ever all-mom bands, Judy gives a lot of insight on what it takes to follow your heart…and still be a great mom. “I always tell people we're a ‘mom band’,” she says “and the word ‘mom’ is first for a reason.” Mom first, rocker second, but she’s having a great time doing both…and then some! Here’s what she shared with Chicago MomsLikeMe.com:
Q. You decided that you wanted to be a rock star at age 42. How did that idea come about? Had you always wanted to be in a band?
A. In 2002, I was the editor for my sons' elementary school newspaper and the organizer of an after school club called the Writers Club. There was a girl in our club who was the niece of Jack White--of the band the White Stripes. The girl's father arranged for Jack to come in and be interviewed by the kids. He was so, so cool. He talked to the kids about music and songwriting and convinced me that I wanted to be a rock star. I am pretty sure that wasn't his intent, but it happened. I signed up for guitar lessons the next day. About 20 years earlier, I thought about joining a band but decided I wasn't cool enough, or thin enough to pull it off. At age 42, I finally found my confidence--love handles and all. I was able to bamboozle three other moms in my neighborhood into starting a band with me!
Q. Your band is the Mydols. Great name! Is it too obvious to ask how you came up it?
A. Well there was a lot of discussion about what to call a band of moms. I liked Hot Flash and Mid Life Crisis but the other moms were a lot younger than me and HATED those names. We had a list of names. One of them was The Pills. When my husband, John, heard it, he suggested "The Mydols". Everyone loved it.
Q. I’m from Southeast Michigan (Ypsilanti), myself, and I went to a LOT of concerts in the late 70s - early 80s--I think it was a requirement, since I was so close to Detroit. Did you attend a lot of concerts as a teen? If so, who were your favorite bands?
A. Oh my goodness. I went to so many concerts. I didn't have two nickels to rub together when I was young but I saw every big act that came through Detroit--Led Zepplin, the Rolling Stones, the Who, Bob Dylan. In college, my husband (who I met went I was 18) and I LIVED to see bands in bars. We saw many bands before they got big like REM, the B-52s, the Vilolent Femmes, the Ramones--the list goes on and on. My favorite bands though were the Ramones, the Replacements and the Cramps (which is one more reason why I love the name The Mydols).
Q. I was able to the Ramones at a bar in Ann Arbor in the early 80s. It was great fun, and I loved them from that point on! Were you able to see them live?
A. Yes, I did see the Ramones in Detroit. I have I friend who was able to trade an oil painting for Joey Ramone's leather jacket. Joey Ramone was really, really thin and the jacket didn't fit my friend, so he gave it to me. (I never told him it doesn't fit me either!) It's one of my treasures.
Q. Which bands inspire the Mydols brand of music? What would you consider your genre?
A. In the beginning the bands that inspired the Mydols the most were other Detroit bands--like the White Stripes, the Gories, and the Dirt Bombs. These bands were our heroes and we were lucky to see them play in small bars. Today we have to inspire ourselves. (My husband got kind of sick of all my "band research" after a while!) We mainly write songs about being moms--so I guess we our own category of "Mom Rock".
Q. Practicing must be tough. How do you make the time?
A. It's very hard. April Boyle (lead singer) has 3 kids. Wensdy Von Buskirk (bass) has 2. And Laura Spern (drums) has SIX kids. I have 2. Our schedules are nothing compared to the 13 kids' schedules. So it is very difficult to find time for practice. We try to have a standing rehearsal every Monday at 6:30, but it gets cancelled a lot.
Q. And concerts…are you gone every weekend?
A. We play about once or twice a month, AND we've gone from a bar band to a family act. We like to play for moms and kids a lot better than staying up until 2 AM in smoke-filled dives. Our music has changed slightly to adapt to our new crowd but we still ROCK. Little kids love to dance and rock out.
Q. Is your family supportive? Your kids? Your husband? (I can’t say that mine would be thrilled…)
A. Yes. My husband is the greatest. He loves our music and he's our biggest fan. I started the Mydols when my kids were 9 and 6. They are both in high school now. So they grew up with mom in a band. For them it's not such a big deal that I play guitar. However, the Mydols just shot an episode of Gene Simmons Family Jewels, which will air sometime this spring. And they probably wouldn't admit it, but I can tell that impressed them.
Q. I did read that the Mydols are going to appear on Gene Simmons Family Jewels. How did that come about? Are you excited? Have you met Gene Simmons before?
A. I guess Gene had somehow heard of us, so we met him in Detroit. He came right into our lives--this larger than life figure. To say it was exciting is an understatement. It was thrilling beyond belief. I don't want to say too much. You will just have to watch the show.
Q. How do you balance your “mom duties” while being a rocker?
A. It's not as hard as you would think. We all put our families first. It's nice, you know, that we are all moms because we are all very understanding. We'll probably never win a Grammy because we don't practice as much as we should, but our kids are all really well-behaved and normal. I always tell people we're a 'mom band'--and the word mom is first for a reason.
Q. Obviously, you’re a goal setter and, by appearances, it seems that you love to LIVE your life. What do you attribute this to?
A. I attribute my success to growing up in a small house with a stay-at-home mom who didn't give us everything we wanted. We had to sort of create our own fun and use our imagination. I got really good at that. Maybe even too good. I am borderline dillusional. I don't have to see something to believe it--I just have to believe it and then I SEE it. I saw the Mydols in PEOPLE magazine two years before it happened, but it happened.
Q. Do you have any beliefs about goal setting?
A. My goal setting secret is to tell a lot of people what it is that I want to accomplish. I think when you do that others will hold you accountable. It's kind of funny--all the good things in life we won't do for ourselves--but we will do them for other people. Also, I heard once if you just write something on a piece of paper you are twice as likely to actually do it. But most importantly, you have to believe in yourself. If you don't, why would anyone else?
Q. What other media/venues have you done? Which are your favorites? Why?
A. We have been written up in everything from People Magazine to the Wall Street Journal and have appeared on shows like CBS Sunday Morning and the Big Idea with Donny Deutsch. We've performed in LA, Oakland, New York, Nashville, Chicago, Cleveland and more. My favorite place to play is in the Twin Cities in Minnesota. For some reason we are treated like stars there. We've played in front of 2000 people in St. Paul and have been and radio and TV there. Weird, huh?
Q. You wrote Rock Star Mommy. Did you enjoy writing the book? What were you hoping to convey to other moms in your book?
A. I wrote the book because people were always so curious about us. They made me wonder about myself. Why did I do this so late in life? Was I going through some sort of mid-life crisis? I think the answer is, I did it when I was ready. In my twenties I was too hung up with what other people thought of me. Your so-called friends can be so cruel when you are young. The good news is that, as you get older, your friends stop competing with you and start supporting you. I wrote the book because I wanted to thank all our friends and fans that made it possible for us to live a dream.
Q. I read that you’re everyday persona is different than your on-stage persona. True?
A. Yes! By day, I am the CEO of PostEgram. PostEgram is making it possible for those without a computer or the desire to socially network online, to keep in touch with their loved ones. I crafted the idea after noticing my mother-in-law, who does not have a computer, was missing out on family news and photos that are posted daily on Facebook. PostEgram uses an application on Facebook® Platform that gives users the ability to transform their personal updates and photos into a full-color printed newsletter, which is then delivered to the mailboxes of family and friends. My mother-in-law was our first customer.
Q. Do you consider The Mydols a success?
A. Are we succesful? Well, we don't have any gold records hanging in our studio--we don't even have a studio-- but we have had more than our fair share of rock and roll moments.
Q. Do you get any grief from other moms about being a rocker? If so, how do you handle the criticism?
A. I have never heard any grumblings. Perhaps that is because my amp has made my deaf!
Q. If you had one thing that you’d like Chicago MomsLikeMe.com moms to know, what would it be?
A. I want women to know that it really is never too late to follow your heart. And for moms, I want them to know that being a mom is the hardest job in the world. It takes long hours, creativity and patience.
If you love motherhood, being the CEO of a company is a piece of cake. I know. I just started a new company with my partner Ken Bloink. Ken is amazing. Really smart and talented, but he is 28 and has never been a mother. Honestly, I teach him something new everyday.
The Mydols have a new CD that just came out. It's called "Family Rules". It has 10 great songs that kids will love and moms too. (Even Dads will like it.) It's available through www.mydols.com or Amazon.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
POSTEGRAM
My new venture, PostEGram, was included on Quicken Loans blog The Diff.
Check it out: at The Diff Blog
Thursday, May 6, 2010
GIRLAVANTING
I had the great pleasure of designing the cover for Tamara Stone and Teri Williams' new book--Girlavanting.
Check out Girlavanting
Saturday, April 17, 2010
MAMAZINA!
I am pleased as punch to be profiled in the very FIRST issue of Mamazina magazine. I was interviewed by Jackie Papandrew. Jackie is an award-winning writer and editor. Her humor column – Airing My Dirty Laundry – appears in several newspapers in the United States and Canada. Visit www.jackiepapandrew.com to read more of her work.
An Interview with Judy Davids
by Jackie Papandrew
Although most of us may dream of being a rock star while we’re singing in the
shower, Judy Davids took it a lot further than that. In 2002, the mother of two picked up a guitar – without ever having had a music lesson – and conspired with other moms in her Detroit neighborhood to form an all-mom rock band. Within weeks, the Mydols were born. The group sings wry songs about life as a suburban soccer mom and has garnered extensive national publicity while touring with other bands, participating in competitions and spending time in the studio. (According to People Magazine, “The Mydols don’t take any lip.”)
In 2008, Davids published a book -- “Rock Star Mommy” -- which bills itself as a “rallying cry for every woman who fondly recalls when she spent more time in mosh pits than Mommy and Me classes.” The book tells Davids’ story of dying her hair pink, donning go-go boots and hopping onstage to rock on. You can read more about The Mydols and Davids at www.mydols.com.
MM: Tell us how (and why) you became a Rock Star Mommy. Did you really just pick up a guitar and go to it? Any musical experience or contacts in the business? Did you have any notion how far (and how fast) you would go from suburban mom to ‘mydol’?
JD: I was the editor of my sons' elementary school newsletter, and we had student reporters. One of the kids was related to Jack White of the White Stripes. So Jack came in one afternoon, and all the kids interviewed him. He played guitar and sang a few songs, and there was this aura about him. You know they don't call people"stars" for nothing. He was practically glowing. I decided right then and there I wanted to be a rock star. And that's the important part. I didn't want to be a great singer or great guitarist. I wanted to be a "rock star" and that choice made all the difference because to this day I won't call myself a great musician, but I certainly have had my share of "rock star" moments!
And yes, it's true I never had a music lesson in my life until I was 42, and the Mydols only rehearsed 6 times before we performed on a stage. It's all about attitude!
When we started the band, I had really big dreams -- to perform in front of big crowds, play at the best venues and be in PEOPLE Magazine. They all happened. Was it realistic to believe they would? Probably not. But if you don't believe in yourself, who else will?
MM: What did your families think of the whole thing? What about friends, neighbors and strangers? Any reactions surprise you?
JD: My family has been great. This year will be the eighth anniversary of the Mydols so my kids pretty much grew up having "mom in a band." I think the surprise was how many people outside my family supported the idea -- a group of middle-aged moms in a rock band. You know, success is always a collaboration. I couldn't have done this alone. I had friends that booked us. Friends that let us open for them. Friends who recorded us. Friends who wrote songs for us. Friends who took band pictures. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, friends who said they'd learn how to play drums and the bass guitar!
MM: What’s next with the band? Where do The Mydols go from here? Where do you see yourself in five years?
JD: Well the Mydols are going to appear on Gene Simmons Family Jewels this year. We are very excited about that. It's a big break for us. To get ready for it, we have been in the studio recording new songs and working really aggressively on booking shows. Being a Mydol is such a source of happiness and pride for me. I imagine I will continue to do this as long as it remains a positive thing.
MM: Tell us about the book. How and why did you write it? How long did it take to write? Was it a collaborative effort? How is the book doing, and what’s been the reaction to it? Had you done any writing before this book? What other writing projects do you have in the works? You also have a blog – how often do you blog and what about? Have you found it to be an effective way to reach moms and other new fans?
JD: I wrote “Rock Star Mommy” because wherever we went, it seemed folks were more interested in our story than our music. Even when newspapers would write about us, they'd throw us in the Lifestyle section -- not Entertainment. I am OK with that. I always tell people I'm in a Mom Band -- and "mom" always comes before "band".
I wrote the book alone. It took four months to write it. Only when I had finished it did I show it to my band mates. I think I got two small details wrong, and I fixed them. I was pretty happy that my memory of how things happened was consistent with theirs.
It was my first book so I was a little nervous about it but my editor walked me through the process. I didn't have to worry about writer's block because I was just telling my story.
I really enjoy writing. I have written for a few magazines, and I write song lyrics. I also have a blog. I write about just about everything -- but writing about motherhood is my favorite subject. It's cathartic.
MM: Tell us about your children. What do they think of your “gig” as a mom rocker? Do they like the boots? Are they involved with the band in any way?
JD: When my sons were little, they truly believed I was a bigger star than Oprah. They were so cute. If music awards were on, they'd want to know why I wasn't there. Today, however, it's a different story. They are teenagers now, and I think they could care less about the Mydols. It's like pulling teeth to get them to come to a show. On the plus side, however, both are really great musicians!
MM: How do you find time to juggle the band, blog, writing, your family and the other responsibilities of your life? What advice do you have for other mom writers (and mom rockers) trying to manage these things? What about moms who think they could never, ever do what you’ve done?
JD: You know, when you look at a guy like Jack White -- he's a musical genius. He's the whole package. He can sing, play guitar and write great songs. Of course he's gonna be inspirational. Now look at me. I can't sing. I'm a hack guitarist. And I can only write lyrics -- not music. And yet, I have worked with Eminem's producers! How can that be? It happens because I have failed at so many things in my life that I am no longer afraid. So I'll try anything. And I believe I can be anything I want--love handles, stretch marks, screaming kids and all.
I make time to do the things I want to do. And when I try something I am OK with exposing my flaws -- warts and all. I've convinced myself that "warts" are charming.
MM: How has motherhood affected your career – not only in writing the book, but as a musician and blogger? Would you have done this if you weren’t a mom?
JD: Wow. That is a good question. Being a mom is such a part of who I am. I had an office job for years and being a mom sort of sucked. Because I stayed home when the kids were sick, and took days off to go on field trips and never stayed past 5, no one in my office took me seriously. I never once got promoted. On the other hand, my kids always appreciated me and on the weekends I put on pink go-go boots and jumped on a stage and stepped into a spotlight. Then on Monday, I'd start all over -- a prisoner in a gray office cubicle. So now that I think about it, if I hadn't had my kids, I probably would be stuck at work right now, and I'd be miserable.
MM: Who are some of your favorite authors? What about musicians? Who inspires you? Do you emulate anyone in particular?
JD: My favorite authors are David Sedaris, followed my Amy Sedaris. I love their snarky humor. As for music, I love the Ramones, The Replacements, The Cramps. My female music heroes are Laurie Lindeen of ZuZu's Petals and Kathy Valentine of the GoGos. Both women are extremely talented -- they can sing, play and rock and are awesome moms too, but more importantly, they both are really really nice. And in my book, nice counts for everything.
by Jackie Papandrew
Although most of us may dream of being a rock star while we’re singing in the
shower, Judy Davids took it a lot further than that. In 2002, the mother of two picked up a guitar – without ever having had a music lesson – and conspired with other moms in her Detroit neighborhood to form an all-mom rock band. Within weeks, the Mydols were born. The group sings wry songs about life as a suburban soccer mom and has garnered extensive national publicity while touring with other bands, participating in competitions and spending time in the studio. (According to People Magazine, “The Mydols don’t take any lip.”)
In 2008, Davids published a book -- “Rock Star Mommy” -- which bills itself as a “rallying cry for every woman who fondly recalls when she spent more time in mosh pits than Mommy and Me classes.” The book tells Davids’ story of dying her hair pink, donning go-go boots and hopping onstage to rock on. You can read more about The Mydols and Davids at www.mydols.com.
MM: Tell us how (and why) you became a Rock Star Mommy. Did you really just pick up a guitar and go to it? Any musical experience or contacts in the business? Did you have any notion how far (and how fast) you would go from suburban mom to ‘mydol’?
JD: I was the editor of my sons' elementary school newsletter, and we had student reporters. One of the kids was related to Jack White of the White Stripes. So Jack came in one afternoon, and all the kids interviewed him. He played guitar and sang a few songs, and there was this aura about him. You know they don't call people"stars" for nothing. He was practically glowing. I decided right then and there I wanted to be a rock star. And that's the important part. I didn't want to be a great singer or great guitarist. I wanted to be a "rock star" and that choice made all the difference because to this day I won't call myself a great musician, but I certainly have had my share of "rock star" moments!
And yes, it's true I never had a music lesson in my life until I was 42, and the Mydols only rehearsed 6 times before we performed on a stage. It's all about attitude!
When we started the band, I had really big dreams -- to perform in front of big crowds, play at the best venues and be in PEOPLE Magazine. They all happened. Was it realistic to believe they would? Probably not. But if you don't believe in yourself, who else will?
MM: What did your families think of the whole thing? What about friends, neighbors and strangers? Any reactions surprise you?
JD: My family has been great. This year will be the eighth anniversary of the Mydols so my kids pretty much grew up having "mom in a band." I think the surprise was how many people outside my family supported the idea -- a group of middle-aged moms in a rock band. You know, success is always a collaboration. I couldn't have done this alone. I had friends that booked us. Friends that let us open for them. Friends who recorded us. Friends who wrote songs for us. Friends who took band pictures. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, friends who said they'd learn how to play drums and the bass guitar!
MM: What’s next with the band? Where do The Mydols go from here? Where do you see yourself in five years?
JD: Well the Mydols are going to appear on Gene Simmons Family Jewels this year. We are very excited about that. It's a big break for us. To get ready for it, we have been in the studio recording new songs and working really aggressively on booking shows. Being a Mydol is such a source of happiness and pride for me. I imagine I will continue to do this as long as it remains a positive thing.
MM: Tell us about the book. How and why did you write it? How long did it take to write? Was it a collaborative effort? How is the book doing, and what’s been the reaction to it? Had you done any writing before this book? What other writing projects do you have in the works? You also have a blog – how often do you blog and what about? Have you found it to be an effective way to reach moms and other new fans?
JD: I wrote “Rock Star Mommy” because wherever we went, it seemed folks were more interested in our story than our music. Even when newspapers would write about us, they'd throw us in the Lifestyle section -- not Entertainment. I am OK with that. I always tell people I'm in a Mom Band -- and "mom" always comes before "band".
I wrote the book alone. It took four months to write it. Only when I had finished it did I show it to my band mates. I think I got two small details wrong, and I fixed them. I was pretty happy that my memory of how things happened was consistent with theirs.
It was my first book so I was a little nervous about it but my editor walked me through the process. I didn't have to worry about writer's block because I was just telling my story.
I really enjoy writing. I have written for a few magazines, and I write song lyrics. I also have a blog. I write about just about everything -- but writing about motherhood is my favorite subject. It's cathartic.
MM: Tell us about your children. What do they think of your “gig” as a mom rocker? Do they like the boots? Are they involved with the band in any way?
JD: When my sons were little, they truly believed I was a bigger star than Oprah. They were so cute. If music awards were on, they'd want to know why I wasn't there. Today, however, it's a different story. They are teenagers now, and I think they could care less about the Mydols. It's like pulling teeth to get them to come to a show. On the plus side, however, both are really great musicians!
MM: How do you find time to juggle the band, blog, writing, your family and the other responsibilities of your life? What advice do you have for other mom writers (and mom rockers) trying to manage these things? What about moms who think they could never, ever do what you’ve done?
JD: You know, when you look at a guy like Jack White -- he's a musical genius. He's the whole package. He can sing, play guitar and write great songs. Of course he's gonna be inspirational. Now look at me. I can't sing. I'm a hack guitarist. And I can only write lyrics -- not music. And yet, I have worked with Eminem's producers! How can that be? It happens because I have failed at so many things in my life that I am no longer afraid. So I'll try anything. And I believe I can be anything I want--love handles, stretch marks, screaming kids and all.
I make time to do the things I want to do. And when I try something I am OK with exposing my flaws -- warts and all. I've convinced myself that "warts" are charming.
MM: How has motherhood affected your career – not only in writing the book, but as a musician and blogger? Would you have done this if you weren’t a mom?
JD: Wow. That is a good question. Being a mom is such a part of who I am. I had an office job for years and being a mom sort of sucked. Because I stayed home when the kids were sick, and took days off to go on field trips and never stayed past 5, no one in my office took me seriously. I never once got promoted. On the other hand, my kids always appreciated me and on the weekends I put on pink go-go boots and jumped on a stage and stepped into a spotlight. Then on Monday, I'd start all over -- a prisoner in a gray office cubicle. So now that I think about it, if I hadn't had my kids, I probably would be stuck at work right now, and I'd be miserable.
MM: Who are some of your favorite authors? What about musicians? Who inspires you? Do you emulate anyone in particular?
JD: My favorite authors are David Sedaris, followed my Amy Sedaris. I love their snarky humor. As for music, I love the Ramones, The Replacements, The Cramps. My female music heroes are Laurie Lindeen of ZuZu's Petals and Kathy Valentine of the GoGos. Both women are extremely talented -- they can sing, play and rock and are awesome moms too, but more importantly, they both are really really nice. And in my book, nice counts for everything.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
#dreamtweet
When my friend Theresa recommends something to me, I just know it's gonna be good. Such is the case with Joe Heuer's e-book "#dreamtweet". Joe is known worldwide as the 'Rock and Roll Guru', thus Theresa thought I, the "Rock Star Mommy", might enjoy the nuggets of wisdom he gleaned over the years. Joe's an author and full-time rocker/dreamer. She was correct.
#dreamtweet is such a fun read. It's full of 'tweet-sized'' ideas that will encourage and inspire you to follow your dreams. There are 140 of 'em.
Here's a sample:
A dream is your heart’s deepest desire. Dream as if you absolutely know it will come true, and feel the feeling of it coming to fruition.
Or this one:
Living your dream means sharing your love with the world on a massive scale.
The e-book is divided into 7 sections that cover everything from dreaming to believing to imagination to love. In these divisive times, when the news is filled with angry lawmakers and bad news about jobs and the housing market, it's refreshing to read something that is positive and full of so much hope. I read the entire book in one sitting.
Check out Joe's website at: www.rockandrollguru.com or pick up a copy of the book at: www.happyabout.com/thinkaha/dreamtweet01.php
Thursday, March 18, 2010
INTERVIEW WITH NICOLE SULLIVAN
I am so excited. I got to interview Nicole Sullivan today. I just LOVE her. You know who she is right? She played Holly, the dog walker on the King of Queens and Rita in Rita Rocks. Oh yeah, she was on Mad TV too. Well the reason I interviewed her is she is the new Jenny Craig spokesperson. She just lost 35 lbs at age 40!
According to her publicist, Nicole "followed the food-body-mind principles of Jenny Craig by meeting with her consultant weekly, following a nutritional balanced menu and gradually increasing her activity over the course of four months from walking 1-2 times a week up to 4-5 times a week for 45 minutes."
When I spoke to Nicole this afternoon she was so excited about her weight loss. She described exactly how she did it. She received 3 frozen meals a day and two snacks. To each meal she basically quadrupled the portion size by piling on fresh vegetables. That's the secret she said. The veggies which are totally "legal" in the program kept her from feeling hungry PLUS they have the added advantage of being healthy!
Nicole said Jenny Craig offers a variety of meals and snacks to choose from and they are all delicious. The best thing about the prepared meals was she didn't have to count calories or record what she ate. It's super simple.
I asked the mother of two how much it costs. "Between $12 and $18 a day" she said and then added "Hey if you go out to lunch you're spending around $8 so it really isn't that expensive."
She also described how you are assigned a consultant that works with you. That person will help you work through the menu choices and get you back on track if you stray a little. (Nicole admitted she snuck in an "illegal" pizza once!)
Nicole was so sweet. I am so happy and excited for her and can't wait for her big bikini reveal. She has me convinced that Jenny Craig works.
Nicole ROCKS!
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