I would like to expand a little on one of the questions that came up during my latest interview. I received a number of e-mails on the subject…and I was asked if I could expand upon it in one of the essays. The questions is: What do I think about the current state of the Music and Entertainment Industry, and how is it affecting me?

What is evolving now in the music business has far more repercussions on intellectual property in general. First, we have to go back and look at how we got here. For most of the past century, for a recording artist, movie actor or book writer to reach the masses, they had to sign a deal with one of the major conglomerates. Yes, there were independent companies, but overall, the major companies had the financial backing to enhance and grow a career in the Arts. Over the years in the business, for each wonderful tale, I have heard nine horror stories of how people were taken advantage of and just plain ripped off. While a few starlets were paraded in front of the cameras, behind the scenes many were paid little to nothing. Anyway, let me stick to what I know best….did you know that within the past ten years you could have had a number one record in America, and made zilch? Crazy, but true. How could that be, you may ask? Toni Braxton, the R&B singer, had to file for bankruptcy because she realized how little she was making after all the deductions were taken out of her percentage. The houses, the fancy cars, the beautiful clothes….in many cases are an illusion. Just like us, they can charge it too.

I’ve had the opportunity over the years to sign with two major labels…when I saw the contracts, they were nothing more than glorified documents of slavery. They wanted to own my songs, have me pay half of the making of videos, support myself on the road, provide my own individual health insurance, all for an advance of around $100,000…which, by the way, I had to use to record the album. I would not receive any royalty statements until the advance was paid back in full. After that, one-third of my royalties would be held in an account in case records were returned from stores (!) Now I ask you….would you buy a used car from that kind of dealership?:) So I went Independent. Aviator Records is a label I part own. They care about my music.

So now for the current state of affairs. The Record Industry, in their wisdom, has decided to sue the very same people that they depend upon for a living! Yes, I know…downloading songs for free is not the answer overall…but, to quote the George Harrison song Sue Me Sue You Blues, “You sue me, I sue you, swing your partners, we all get screwed.” What I would like to see is between five to ten music sites selling downloads at a REASONABLE price. As of now, songs are for sale at about $1.50 to $2.00 a download. Apple Computer’s i-Tunes is selling downloads for 99 cents. That seems more reasonable to me, but for now, it’s only available for Mac users (!)

Some wanted to know my thoughts, so there they are. What I have decided to do is to open an online store on my website where people can buy the entire CD’s for around $6.00 or $7.00 a CD (which includes shipping and handling) I would rather do it this way so I can pass along the savings to the people who matter…the music lover. The Avalon Store should be up and running this Fall.

Just like we are able to come and go freely to public libraries to access knowledge and information, so too, I believe, music should be made partially available for free, so a person can decide if they want to purchase an entire CD. Music stores do have listening booths, you might say…but, unfortunately, the artist has to pay an arm and a leg to have their CD in one. At the end of the day, I have become a big believer in shortening the distance between an artist and the fan.

Long Live Music,
love, Jennifer Avalon
© 2003 Jennifer Avalon

I recently had an interesting conversation with a few friends of mine around a coffee table one morning. We were each contributing our personal thoughts of the day until the word ‘Love” came up. Instantaneously there was five seconds of silence. We soon discovered we all had our own unique relationship with Love.

Of the four people at the table, myself included, each of us had been enhanced and/or hurt by Love. Three of us shared our thoughts and stories past and present on how Love has affected our lives. Even though some of the experiences have been painful, we were mostly in agreement that through Love, our lives over time had been enriched. One person at the table had a totally opposite opinion on Love. This person whom I will call “Tim,” told us that he has benefited from limiting the amount of Love in his life. He had an unhappy childhood, few dating experiences, and never married. He also proudly commented that he didn’t even have a pet, because, “I wouldn’t know how to take care of it.” He added that “because of my limited exposure of emotional attachments in my life, I have decreased the level of lifetime discomfort.” So the rest of us looked at each other and said, “Okay Tim…let’s examine this a little more.” The following are some of the points that came up in our discussion:

1. The day you are born, you get your first taste of Love, hopefully from good, responsible parents. As some of us know, this may not always be the case.
2. Love is a double-edged sword. When it works, it is euphoria….when it doesn’t, the trauma can seem endless.
3. To Love is to accept Loss. Relationships can end, consensually, or suddenly through death.
4. What is a life without Love? An empty sphere where all you hear is the sound of your own voice.
5. It is better to have failed at Love, then to never have loved at all.
6. Life is meant to be shared.
7. Love + Age = Enlightenment.

So you get the gist…these are some of the thoughts that were raised during the conversation. Pros and Cons…on the topic of Love. One point that I found quite interesting is the question of Love and Loss. For each person that we choose to love, we do enter into a relationship where the possibility, and in some cases, the eventuality, of Loss is quite real. For example: Our parents. Generally, they pass on before us. We grow up with them, we share our thoughts and dreams with them, our joys and sorrows…until one day they leave us here. Now, perhaps we should ask ourselves this…as painful as the parting may be, would we erase all the memories? Did we learn, and what did we learn, from the experience? Yes, indeed…Love may end in Loss…but because of it, have we become more evolved and better human beings? Isn’t that what it’s all about?

So does it take Courage to Love? Under the circumstances, you bet. It’s always easier in life to make no choices, have no opinions, and limit Love. Like the baseball player who is in a batting slump, the Champions step forward to take another swing, while the Fearful walk away. When the Champions of Love swing and hit a Grand Slam Home Run, they will tell you, “There’s no other feeling like it.”

Step up to the plate,
love, Jennifer Avalon
© 2003 Jennifer Avalon

Have you ever imagined a mystical place where all of your questions are answered? You may have yours….mine I call “Treasure Island.” Life can get quite hectic, with mysterious air and uncharted terrain…but after a week of questions, it sure is nice to set sail for Treasure Island to seek out the solutions.

On the mainland we work, we play, and we live. In doing so, we constantly encounter our share of joy and pain. Treasure Island, on the other hand, is the vortex between the physical and spiritual world. So what is this island, you may ask? Well, let’s take a look….to get there your ship has to sail the sea of tranquility, until you see on the horizon a place where the sun always shines, fruit is bountiful, and the greenery is endless. Once you land on the beach, the first thing you notice is that the air is filled entirely with Love. The golden sun envelopes you and starts to heal your wounds. You are greeted by people who understand your every thought. This is an island where prayers can be answered. It is a place where life makes sense. Confusion and Fear give way to Knowledge and Peace. It could be an hour, a day, or even a few minutes….but one visit can recharge the Soul and give a greater understanding of Purpose and Beyond.

Human Life is not the Destination….it is the Journey. Once we leave this world, we all set sail for Treasure Island. It may not be part of this physical world, but it is as real as the home you live in. Treasure Island is Eternal….for me, it is where the Breath of God fills the sails of all those who believe in Everlasting Life. I’ve always tried to imagine what Heaven must look like….for me, Treasure Island is the portal we all eventually go through to touch the Face of God. A glimpse of Heaven in a world of weary travelers.

Sail on Sailor,
love, Jennifer Avalon
© 2003 Jennifer Avalon

There are two types of anger….internal and external. There are also two parts to us, spiritual, and human. Anger is an emotion that fluctuates daily in our lives…we are confronted with it’s management quite often. So let’s take a look at anger, and see not only how it affects us, but also how we can have a better control over it.

Internal anger is by far one of the main reasons we get sick. When we are upset, confused or fearful we turn off the floodlights and the microscope …suppressing our thoughts and emotions inward until they reach a boiling point. These days stress and anger are a routine challenge. While we deal with the inner emotions that fuel anger, the best way to confront it is to step back, relax, find a quiet place…and breathe deeply. This is a good way to get a handle on the emotions that can easily control you rather than you controlling them. A while ago a friend of mine developed a bleeding ulcer, and the first thing the doctor said to him was, “I don’t know what it is that is worrying you so much, but nothing is worth making your insides look like those of a seventy year old, when you are only 38.” My friend changed his diet, took time each day to relax, and before too long his life became much less stressful.

External management, is where other people project their thoughts and dislikes at us. It could be something that we have legitimately done wrong, in which case we can apologize and move on….or, it could be someone else’s rage, insecurities, or jealousies directed at us. External anger can be tricky…in many cases it could involve reevaluating relationships with friends, family, and even acquaintances. Anger has a profound affect on our lives….the best way to handle it is to confront it, deal with it, and move on.
Spiritually, we are one with God and the Universe. It is our responsibility to strengthen that relationship and remember we are Souls living human lives. The enemy of the soul is the Ego. The Ego is completely human-created. As we all need a little Ego and self-confidence to get us through the day, it’s important to not forget that our Ego’s can quite easily spiral out of control. In our world, nothing can be quite more dangerous than a dictator who believes that he or she is God. The more spiritual we are, the more the world makes sense and the greater our ability to deal with anger. Unfortunately, there will always be those who build their lives around hurting others, with anger. Sadly, in some cases the best that we can do is to be aware and limit our exposure to their pain.

I’m sure you too can add your testimony and experiences to this essay. Each one of us can tell our own unique story regarding anger. We either control it, or it will control us. The more we understand the emotions of ourselves and others, the better we will be able to multiply the positive experiences in our lives….with a little help from above:)

Breathe deeply,
love, Jennifer Avalon
© 2003 Jennifer Avalon

The day that we are born, we are presented with a spiritual passport. A document that records where we go, how long we stay, what we have learned, and what we leave behind. This passport records in writing the statement of our soul. The spiritual journey that takes us from birth to death to rebirth.

In the beginning, our passport acknowledges the baby steps we take in life…little learning and building blocks that teach us the basic fundamentals of soul expansion. These are the delicate years, where the influences of our parents and loved ones are critical. On many occasions we find ourselves as co-travelers with our parents…hopefully learning as we move through time and space under the Heavens. Through adolescence, into adulthood, the stamps in our passport log the journeys of successes, setbacks, and failures. We may find ourselves revisiting places again and again until we have corrected past mistakes, so we can move on to our next destination. The more we travel, the thicker our passport becomes. A spiritual passport cannot be lost….though we may find ourselves from time to time going through stages of renewal. Not to worry…..this is all part of the journey. We may travel alone….or with others….but what matters is that we continue to evolve and learn. The road of life can be kind or treacherous, but one thing’s for sure….our trusty passport can help to get us through.

We may find from time to time the shine wearing off the cover of our passport. It may look a little weather beaten, creased and worn….but, with a little prayer, humility, and forgiveness, with one glance it can be restored to its original gleam. The passport that we hold inside us is to remind us that we are not alone…even though at times we may feel so. Like an automobile, running on empty, all that is needed is to find the gas station of Faith to feel recharged and restored. Some may choose to not use the passport….that’s fine. But, empty pages tell no stories. The passport is given to be used, as we battle through the joy and the tears.

Like any passport needed for travel, the further you go, the more you need it. Our spiritual passports are no different. If our lives are truly spiritual travels, eventually we head for home. It’s at that point we learn that we are all citizens of Heaven. A place where there are no more borders, no more barriers, and no passports needed.

Travel far,
love, Jennifer Avalon
© 2003 Jennifer Avalon

Have you ever driven around in a car and turned on the radio? Sometimes, after a while the signal goes in and out until eventually you hear static. As hard as you may try, distance makes it more and more difficult to tune into the signal.

The signal is a wave that can be tuned into a given area, but once outside of that area it diminishes. I believe we too are affected by a signal, which I call the center, inner energy, or the soul. That signal or inner energy I believe is Heaven sent. It is within each one of us…all it takes is to tune in and stay in range. In life we choose where in the circumference of the signal we want to live. The closer to the signal, the stronger the vibration and energy. The further away, the power diminishes, until eventually we succumb to static. Sadly, there are quite a few people who choose the world of static, where nothing can be heard. As it may be difficult on a daily basis to stay at the generation point of the signal, over time and a little practice, it can become easier to stay close.

The signal is not an accident…it has a purpose. It is an energy that is there to help us and find peace of mind. This signal is free for the asking. It’s interesting…as we go about our day and as we interact with others, we get to see who is close to the signal, and who is not. One conclusion I have come to for myself is that to be happy, peaceful, spiritual and complete, I have to be aware of the signal. It’s all around us….within us and without us…all we have to do is tune in…like a radio dial. The signal tells us a little bit more about ourselves every day…why we are here…what we can do, and how to make the world a better place. As I may learn through life, through my personal experiences, the signal can deliver knowledge that is timeless. We are more than flesh and bone…inside each one of us is the current of Heaven. That current is endless…it is there to remind us of who we are, and where we are going. The signal is the voice that calls to us while we are here, that there is another place to call Home. Some call it the Holy Spirit…the force that connects the entire Universe….the signal that one day leads us back to where we came from….

Hear the Call,
love, Jennifer Avalon
© 2003 Jennifer Avalon

This week I would like to use an historical event as a way of examining the elements, both good and bad, that can happen in life. The Titanic was the pride of the seas…..a floating city that many said was “unsinkable.” This, unfortunately, was not to be the case. A ship steaming across the Atlantic…onboard were the elite, powerful, rich, inventive, captain, crew, poor and downtrodden. A true mix of humanity at any given time and stage.

So let’s start at the beginning…..the Titanic was constructed by sheer sweat and manpower, by workers who over time had built many ships….but this one, by far, was the largest and finest. No expense was spared….Titanic had to gleam in the water. It contained the finest crew, who would operate and cater to any need of the passengers. On deck was a “who’s who” list of the rich and famous, while below in steerage were the brave souls who just wanted a chance at a new life and to plant the seeds to their dreams in a new country. Once the journey was underway, Titanic powered through the water, defying anything that stood in its way. Much like many of us, at the beginning of our lives with so much time in front of us, we believe there is nothing we cannot accomplish. Just before Titanic set sail, the binoculars in the lookout towers were removed, because, who would need them? And how would it look to the passengers to see a member of the crew staring out on the horizon, looking for danger? Precautions were severely overlooked. Of course, a ship like the Titanic, that is “unsinkable,” surely wouldn’t need enough lifeboats for all on board, right? So off they sailed into the dark Atlantic.

The captain, with a little added pressure, wanted to break the Atlantic crossing record and arrive early in New York. He thought to himself, “Wouldn’t that be wonderful, we would surely make the headlines of all the newspapers”….and seeing that Captain Smith was planning to retire after this maiden voyage, what a great way to end his illustrious career. All the while reports of icebergs ahead were ignored. Whatever road we travel in life, it’s always wise for us to heed the warning “curves ahead.”

The most enlightening aspect of the Titanic’s dilemma happened once it hit the iceberg. At first, many thought the ship had blown a propeller, and before too long, they would be continuing on towards New York. Meanwhile down below, the true story was unfolding. Passengers in steerage started to see streams of water flowing down the corridors. It’s interesting, except for the captain, and a few members of the crew, the poor were the first to witness what was to come. Unfortunately, many of the steerage passengers were locked in down below….unable to free themselves to safety. Meanwhile, up on deck, the rich and the powerful danced, giggled, and complained about the delay. Eventually, of course, the truth started to make its rounds….slowly, the ship began tilting downward, while the bow started rising. What happened next is probably one of the most important lessons we will ever learn in life. Because of the refusal to believe the dire situation that Titanic was in, even as the bow rose higher and higher in the air, many of the lifeboats were lowered half empty, because few believed how badly damaged the ship really was. Can you imagine, some of the brightest, most influential people of society standing there, as the boat was sinking, refusing to accept that it was necessary for men, women and children to get into lifeboats, to save their lives. One of the greatest examples in history of denial. It was only a matter of time before panic set in and reality solidified. A collection of small life boats half full watched in horror as the “Ship of Dreams” headed to the bottom of the Atlantic.

No matter how many books and how many movies are done on this tragic event, I never come away without learning something new, and how it could have all been prevented. The perfect human storm. Arrogance, ego, denial, with a sheer disregard for the unexpected. At work, at home, at play, whatever it is that we do during the day, we must always remember the tragedy of the Titanic, so that we don’t fall victim to creating a Titanic in our own lives. We all live on the road of life…but it’s wise to once in a while check under the hood of our cars, the soles of our shoes, and the well-being of loved ones. The unexpected does happen….but with a little care and awareness, we can avoid the icebergs.

smooth sailing,
love, Jennifer Avalon
© 2003 Jennifer Avalon

Each one of us are born into the wilderness…a place where there are no answers, only many questions. Yes, indeed…the slate is wiped clean, for us to mold and shape throughout our lives. This wilderness is a barren land, but with each step we develop confidence that we are heading in the right direction for our final destination….Home.

Along our journey we learn skills and have experiences to get us closer and closer to our destiny. We meet up with others along the way who also seek the same path. Joining together, where once it took days to cover miles, now it takes hours. The land, that at one point was dry, dusty and empty, slowly delivers a landscape where life is plentiful and supportive. The valleys give way to glorious mountains, which too must be crossed. We climb, push on, and become stronger from the challenge. At a certain point in the journey we stop, gaze back, to see how far we have come. We feel rejuvenated, and full of Faith that we will enter the Promised Land. One more in a sea of humanity, out to prove their reason and purpose for existence. The wilderness is the environment that man must overcome to reach the Gates of Heaven.

I understand that the wilderness can be a treacherous place….where danger and the unexpected can leap out at any given moment. Deep inside, each one of us is a well of energy that only needs a spark of Faith to rise up. An oasis in the desert of Life, that will sustain us indefinitely. The tools are there to get us through. It is our job to learn how to use them. The journey home may be difficult, but not impossible. The moment we breathe Life, the journey begins. There is a reason for the road that weaves through the wilderness. It is a road that does not go on forever…it arrives at a place where Peace reigns and Love comforts.

The Promised Land awaits us all….through all of our doubts and fears, we know it is the place where we must go. It is Home. The final destination for the learned soul that has found the meaning of Love, Peace, Humanity, Sharing, Giving, and Faith. Life has meaning, and purpose. Some may falter, some may seek forgiveness, still, there is a hand reaching out through the wilderness, for the asking.

take a hand, give a hand,
love, Jennifer Avalon
© 2003 Jennifer Avalon

Each decade brings its own set of gifts and obstacles. This decade, which I call “The Age of Introspection,” is delivering its fair share too. From the dust of the stock market bubble, and the ruins of the World Trade Center, the world has been thrust into the search for answers.

Each night the talking heads on television spout off their theories and expertise on who we are and where we are going. The climate of the world has changed fast. For example, on our plates this week we have had to witness the Iraqi War, and the emerging SARS epidemic. This has become the typical week….and no, you are not losing your mind if you get depressed once in awhile!:) Here in the United States the SARS crisis is a problem, but in Asia, people have become accustomed to living with face masks on. Wars and viruses…it sounds almost Biblical…perhaps…or could it be a way for us to break everything down to the ground level, so that we can see what we have forgotten? The day when a human being forgets the value of a handful of rice, is the day when our thoughts have become corrupted. As the world has become the reflection of the collective human consciousness, our individual lives manifest from the vision we create and accept in our own state of mind. The Age of Introspection is where individuals turn the microscope inward to examine their own hopes, dreams, joys, fears, and beliefs. As a wise man once said, “How can I expect you to know me, if I don’t know myself?”

We human beings can be quite remarkable people, when we put our minds to it. Together, there is no mountain that we can’t climb. Yet, when we see ourselves as separate entities, our collective thought patterns easily fall by the wayside. The more we know ourselves, the better we can be for our families, friends, and the world. It’s so simple to say “I can’t,” yet so bold to say, “I can.” Life wounds, that is why once in awhile we need to go inside, repair the damage, and head back out onto the road. A little tune-up on occasion is a good thing.

I try every day to get a little introspection. I find a quiet place with the sound of silence…meditate, and get to know myself a little better. Having a conversation with oneself can sometimes be quite beneficial!:) One thing’s for sure….each time I finish, I feel calmer and more centered. During these stressful times, the quiet moments become more precious. Introspection can help us cope with the uncertainties that surround us daily. Looking outward is easy….looking inward takes courage.

May your vision be clear,
love, Jennifer Avalon
© 2003 Jennifer Avalon

Most of our day to day existence is based in the temporary. We eat food, and it’s gone, we attend a movie, and it’s over, we go to work and we come home…a beginning, middle, and an end…..the ingredients of the temporary. Nothing ever stays the same, even when we want it to. The temporary is a society, where Time and Space sets the rules.

Our problems and troubles begin when all we see and put our faith in is this temporary form of existence. Materialism makes the perfect vehicle for the temporary…it enslaves us in the moment, where our choices are limited. A trap that many of us can easily fall into, where we try to buy or purchase away a problem. We feel depressed, upset, or blue, so we head off to a department store, let our minds wander, and buy at will. We take our trinkets home, and after a few hours, we are right back where we started. Confused, and upset, we are dumbstruck, wondering why we couldn’t rid ourselves of dilemmas. Much of life’s woes are extended because of our belief in the temporary. We attack the superficial and surface of our problems, while ignoring the core enemy of happiness and contentment.

Time passes while we move through space, while our physical bodies age. We may slow down the hands of time, but we cannot stop them. Everywhere we go we are told to embrace the temporary…do this, do that, buy this, buy that. A collection of instant orders of gratification, that flees with each passing moment, until eventually there is much more to life than the temporary…it is at that point we regain our purpose. We are born, and we die…but our souls live on. The soul is the essence of who we are. It is the one part of us that is truly timeless. To find peace, comfort, and joy, all one has to do is to enter the doorway to the soul, which is the connection to the Heavens.

Simplicity is the language of the soul. There is no complication to life. Look into the eyes of a newborn child, or the eyes of a dying heart….and it all makes sense. It’s the time in-between where it can look complicated. I have a sign in my office that says, “The Soul is the Center of the Day.” It is there to remind me to build my life around my soul….not to wrap my soul around my life.

Simply yours,
Jennifer Avalon
© 2003 Jennifer Avalon