http://www.autumnonline.com Commentary and thoughts from Autumn Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com I got in a car accident this week. As I was stopped in traffic, an old man drove straight into the back of me without even slowing down. My car was hit from behind, then directly into the car in front of me, totaling in a 6-car chain reaction.I was on the phone with my mom during the accident. I screamed out of terror, called for my Mommy, & then the phone cut out. My poor mother. She also got a root canal that day (not her lucky day)Nobody was seriously injured. But this was my first accident, and I can't believe people experience this kind of thing ALL THE TIME. Scary.As I spend the next few days healing from the whiplash, I notice things are a little hyper-sensitive. I hear a sound and I jump. I can't sleep. I have nightmares. I am sure this is all pretty common, but I just can't believe so many people experiences these small glimpses of their own mortality on such a regular basis...that makes me sad, and on edge. Mostly because we are constantly given reminders as to how precious and eventual our life is, and yet we still expel an exorbitant amount of sacred energy on fighting and bickering over mundane things. It doesn't make sense. Not today.By next week, it will be old news, and we will all carry as we do. But today, I am aware of this very second, and I am thankful to be in it.Please just be nice to one another today. And wear your seatbelt. Thanks. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com TILL DEATH DO US PART.My parents celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary this week. 34 YEARS! That's a lllllong time!They met in Norman, Oklahoma. While in college at OU, my 20 yr old dad had his own restaurant called "Bouk's Coney Island" -- my mom went in to apply for a job. My dad thought she was cute, so he hired her. My mom says he was watching TV the entire time he was interviewing her, so she thought he was an ass.Then, they fell in love. My dad proposed to her in a park, under a tree. My mom knew he was going to propose because she saw the outline of the ring box in his jean pocket when he picked her up, but she's never told him that. They got married, no questions asked.They lived in a trailer. No money. No pre-nump. (I don't think those even existed back then) My brother & I were born...and the living was gooood! Then my little brother & sister came along...The rest is history. They have built a sweet life from scratch. And now here we are! 34 years later, they have a solid marriage, 4 amazingly awesome children who are all incredibly close, and the intention to enjoy all the treasures life has to offer, together. They are the most successful people I know.My dad sets the example that there truly are decent men in this world. -That I don't need to settle. -That men can be faithful, honest, and generous. -That I could marry Ryan Gosling if I wanted to...and he'd be the lucky one (again, thanks for the vote of confidence, Dad)My mom is pure sweet light. She has taught me to always put family first. Always. Her commitment to her marriage and her family is unlike anything I've ever seen. She is beautiful. She has also taught me that you don't have to be a good cook to keep a good man. :)Everything my dad does is to make my mom happy. Everything my mom does is to make my dad happy. It's quite a selfless way to live, especially in these times when "do what makes YOU happy" is pretty much the theme.Congratulations to my parents. I know that it wasn't easy. I know it took hard work. But, I am appreciative of the example my parents set for me & my siblings. The sanctity of marriage & commitment does still exist. May the next 34 years be sweeter than ever. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com Under the influence of ambien, I signed up for a running group. The next morning, I woke up and realized what I had done. I thought about it & decided I need to go ahead and DO IT. Cardio is importante.Well, Today was the first day of training. 8am run on a Saturday morning. I skipped it. Slept right through it.(Do you remember back in the college days, when you would set your alarm really early & tell yourself you would study bright and early? It never worked. ever. That's what happened this morning. My alarm went off and I was like "Ahh hellll no")Am I disappointed in myself? Nope. Why? Because 2012 is not the year to condemn myself. I've spent 31 years telling myself I need to try harder, push more, and go all in. No mas. I'll run eventually...it's all good....I just think it's high time we all go a little easier on ourselves.On a COMPLETELY unrelated note, did you know that Rob Lowe might be taking over for Regis Philbin on "Regis & Kelly"? He's so damn hot (Rob, not Reg). I fully support this decision & I encourage Hollywood to MAKE THIS HAPPEN. The world needs more Rob Lowe.Oh yeah, Please mark your calendars for Jan 24th! I'm playing my first show of 2012 at Threadgills (south/downtown - World Headquarters) with the infamous Graham Wilkinson. It's inside & low key - an intimate seating & listening room. I play from 8-9, and we will be debuting some of the new songs from the upcoming album. It's gonna be a really cool evening; come & eat some fried okra, & bring the kids, all ages welcome!Alright, gotta run...(both figuratively and literally) more soon. Thanks for listeningAutumnwww.RobLoweforpresident.comwww.grahamwilkinson.comwww.threadgills.com Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com HAPPY 2012!It's New Year's Day. The beginning of a new week, a new month, a new year...the weather is beautiful. It's 72 and sunny in Austin. The birds are chirping, the energy of creation and new beginnings buzzes in the air. All the resolutions I made are listlesstly floating in the back of my brain, and I WILL get things done, but...well...I'm busy...watching hour after hour after hour of "Breaking Bad" on Netflix; yes, I am completely eating up the spirit of the New day with a TV series about a chemistry teacher turned crystal meth cook. HAPPY NEW YEAR! And God Bless America!Seriously, this TV Show is incredible. It transports & empowers & invigorates & terrifies & enchants...like a Hemingway novel on...well...crystal meth? Watch it! (p.s. NOT FOR KIDDOS)I went to Jovitas for New Year's Eve to drink beer & enjoy a Grateful Dead cover band. That's my pace these days. I'm not really a fan of "going out" anymore unless it involves playing my own gig...I haven't even taken a shot since my bday (Dec 17th)...I've really grown up! The recovery time from drinking is far greater than it used to be, and let's be honest, I've got TV shows to watch. I can't afford to be hungover anymore. So, a vintage night at a cool south 1st venue was just what I needed to ring in 2012.I hope your New Year's was exactly what YOU needed. Some folks love New Years Eve, some despise it. Whether you saw my darling Bob Schneider at The Paramount, tripped at the silent disco in the Enchanted Forest, dressed up in Louboutins and over-indulged on red wine, sat at home and watched the itty bitty Ryan Seacrest on Dick Clark's "Rockin' New Years Eve", or Facebook stalked all your exes & passed out before the ball dropped, I hope it was PERFECT for You.More blogging soon, real soon. Have a great New Year's Day. Eat your black-eyed peas (and don't forget to watch "Breaking Bad") Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com :: Newsletter December 2011 ::"Happy Holidays from our family to yours"What a year. The best part of 2011 has definitely been the past few weeks, as I have been back in the studio, recording new music for 2012. It feels good. I very much look forward to sharing these new songs with you....I am thinking back to my Newsletter from last year, and life could not be more different. It's crazy what a year can bring...What's different? Well, I got involved with "Big Brothers, Big Sisters" -- and my "Little" is cool as hell. She is a huge blessing, and I highly encourage everyone to make 'service to others' a New Year's Resolution.In a random unexpected twist of events, I started doing a little work for an architecture firm called 'Vanguard Studios' -- I basically get paid to color & hang out with cool people. It's my dream job! (Actually, Vanna White's job is my dream job, but this comes in a close 2nd.)I also decided to dip back into radio...I missed being on-air. Tune in on Saturdays from noon-6 on Majic 95.5 and that's where I'll be!(Okay, 'radio' is also on the list of dream jobs...along with my "full time profession" as a singer/songwriter/heavyweight musician). I suppose I realized that LIVING THE DREAM is doing a little bit of everything you love, everyday. As for touring, I have new shows scheduled, new songs, new everything. Come listen!As always, i genuinely thank you from the deepest corners of my heart for your generous support and friendship-- thank you, thank you, thank you.I wish for you a year of joy and abundance. Wealth and health. Balance and peace and sweetness. Family and safety. True love & happiness,AutumnWww.bbbs.orgWww.vanguardstudios.comWww.majic.comWww.autumnonline.com Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com Happy Holidays everyone! CLICK HERE for a couple Xmas tunes Autumn recorded just for you. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com Still looking for that perfect Xmas gift? Wanna know where to get your Christmas spirit on? CLICK HEREOur bandmate, Rob Albertson, (guitar/banjo/lute aficionado & infamous realtor) has a new blog. It's the perfect blog: Funny. Informative. Cool.Keep up with all you need to know about AUSTIN, TX at www.whataboutaustin.com/blog Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com Well Happy Holidays, lovelies. The songs are written & the demos are done. New music is coming to you in the New Year! It has been the most personally trying year of my life, which was sad for me, but it means GOOD songs for you! And, it's all good now, so I suppose everyone wins! Thank God for music. I'm writing a Newsletter for the holidays, which will include a new Christmas tune just for you. Sign up for the mailing list...and I resolve to send more newsletters in the coming year! Here's a little bit of music trivia for you. Did you know that Smokey Robinson wrote the song, "My girl" ?? Yeah, I didn't know that either until yesterday. I bet he's doing alright. Oh, Smokey. I love you. stay tuned, Autumn Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com I have happy news!! I will be back on the radio in Austin (Saturday afternoons) on your favorite soft rock pop easy listening slow jams love groove ohhh yeah station, Majic 95.5 !!! -- Majic is a sister station of my alma mater, Mix 94.7 -- so maybe you will hear me DJ on both stations once I get reaquainted & show the bossman that I will not burn down the entire building or break anything. OR - Maybe Majic is my new radio home forever? It could be fate. Who knows? (And yes, I'm still BFF with Jb & Sandy, and yes they are happy for me & continuously supportive. And no, I'm not gonna be on the morning show. I'm just doing a weekend solo shift or two)...everybody loves everybody...so now you know the scoop!It feels good. I have missed radio since the day I left. I am thrilled to get a taste of it all again!Backstory: I left the Jb & Sandy Morning Show a few years ago to pursue music full-time & attempt to lead a "healthier" lifestyle that did not include waking up at 4:30am while playing gigs until 2am.Woah, what a crazy fun bittersweet adventure!! I traveled the world, met fascinating people, faced many fears, learned quality life lessons, drank tons of beer, grew confidence, fell humble, burned bridges, felt the sting of rejection, felt the rush of acceptance, and then the sting of rejection again & again; I have made HUGE mistakes, and yet I have somehow expanded my imperfect little self to include others, which I am proud of. Most importantly, I've realized there is no place else I eventually hope to "settle down" than in Austin, TX. Hook 'em.With that said, as for continuing to pursue music, it's ON. I will play forever. In many ways, I'm just getting started. In fact, I'll be recording new songs in the studio this December, so expect new tunes out the first part of 2012. And yes, I am still touring & playing live with the coolest trio on Earth.BACK ON THE RADIO!!! Hallelujah!! Life is sweet. Ahhhh.Thanks for being cool & keeping up with the ebbs & flows of Autumn Boukadakis...I realize you are busy, so taking time to read my status updates & whatnot is highly appreciated.Ok, more soon- We've got a LOT to talk about.Thanks for listening!Www.majic955.comWww.autumnonline.com Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com Fall is here! It's 104 degrees in Austin, TX. But Walgreens is covered in Halloween decor, and I've got my pumpkins ready to carve. They will look beautiful next to all my pots of crunchy, dead flowers lost in the drought. (I was beginning to think the leaves on the trees were changing colors with the season, but they are just dead. RIP.) The fall season of tv's finest is about to begin, and we are less than a month away from Kim Kardashian's Fairytale wedding on E! What more could you ask for? This is the BEST time of the year!I hope you all managed to make it through the summer. It was the hottest hell on Earth. Now that autumn is here, there is motivation to live again!! I am overjoyed to let you know that big changes are happening, and a newsletter is coming soon...New job, new music, new projects, new friends, new art, new life. That is the order of business around here.Here's to a happy new autumn!put your Uggs on,autumn Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com I ripped this off of my friend, Lauran Janes' blog. She is a beautiful being. For inspiration: lauranjanes.blogspot.com/AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN FIVE SHORT CHAPTERS~ By Portia NelsonI.I walk down the street.There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.I fall inI am lost . . . I am helplessIt isn’t my fault.It takes forever to find a way out.II.I walk down the street.There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.I pretend I don’t see it.I fall in again.I can’t believe I am in the same place,but it isn’t my fault.It still takes a long time to get out.III.I walk down the street.There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.I see it is there.I still fall in . . . it’s a habit.my eyes are open.I know where I am.It is my fault.I get out immediately.IV.I walk down the street.There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.I walk around it.V.I walk down another street. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com Hello!I am headed out of town until August. I am going to Scottsdale, then to Lake Tahoe, & on to Costa Rica for 10 glorious days!Over the past few months, I have recorded a number of demos - they are brand new songs that stretch the musical canvas for me, artistically speaking. Trying different things is always good. Anyway, since it takes SOOO long to make a full length album, I am thinking about recording an EP in August when I return. But, I would like to include the demos on a separate disc, because I really want you to hear the creative process, from start to finish. I think you might like to hear the concept as well as the final product.In the meantime, stay cool in the heat. I'll be updating throughout these summer adventures.please check facebook & twitter, as I update those daily!thanks,Autumn Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com By request. By Autumn Boukadakis.Sure, I'll write you aPoemIf it will make you noticeThat My deepest desire is You,in your jacket, with the light on, exhaling lyrical smoke by way of whisper to my inner ear & soul.Your smoke is on fire.Your smoke is thrillingYour smoke is hot (looks) cool (touch)Your smoke is specially designed to torture me...and when I listen closely to it, I hear inflections ofDebussy and Beethoven in a brilliant state of turmoil and strife; thus, an equally brilliant masterpiece yielding an existence worth living.Kissing now, the smoke drifts con licenziaThrough my hollowed heartWraps around my spinal columnAnd sticks my feet to the groundI'm not going anywhere. Do you mind?You are something specialSo, sure, I'll write you a poem someday. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com I'm still here. I'm writing songs. New year, new muse, new songs. I will record a new album when the time is right, and the time is not right now, but it is soon --Sometimes I listen to music while I write. Here is what I listened to today, while finishing up a new song:1) Bob Schneider - The World Exploded in Love2) Patty Griffin - Moses3) Walt Wilkins - Dear God4) Paul Simon - KodachromeGoing to see Amos Lee at The Paramount this week -- Can't wait. I dig his sound.Also, been reading some great books. Right now I'm reading 'A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey...I know, it's so Oprah book club 2009. But, it's got me roped in & all crazy in the head. This book is not for everyone.more soon, just had to check in real quick. Follow twitter for more consistent updates -- &, xo.autumn Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com DECEMBER NEWSLETTER ~~~ To receive these monthly newsletters, sign up for the email list!DECEMBER 2010Happy Holidays, from our family to yours. What a crazy year 2010 turned out to be. As I write, I am sitting on my couch, chihuahua on lap, fingerless gloves on, sipping coffee w/chocolate milk (ran out of creamer), listening to the wind howl outside, happy to be safe & snuggly on this brisk December morning. I look around my living room and I notice all the additions that have made their way into my home this year...2 beautiful yellow vintage wingback chairs, given to me by my dear friend Lauran, who just moved to Costa Rica. We lived together for a brief period of time this year, and those chairs remind me of the kindness, compassion, and grace she poured into the smallest cracks & crevices of my heart and home. Because of Lauran, I was able to complete a year long yoga teacher training series...and my heart is open again. To my left is an old red suitcase. My new roommate & soul sister, Chrissy, uses this to carry her camera. A camera filled with loving shots of all the gigs we play...the good & the bad. With this new partner in crime, the days are much less lonely. We wake up every morning & work out at our "new" gym, Premiere Lady Fitness (yes, we are the youngest ladies in the joint), then we laugh about our adventures over a disgusting protein shake that promises to make us look like Jilian Michaels in no time. Thanks to Chrissy, there is laughter & lightness here. To my right, is Ears. A stuffed elephant belonging to Noah, the son of my latest & greatest boyfriend, Jacob. The best thing that happened this year, or maybe my whole life, was definitely meeting Noah. You see, I never really thought I would have children of my own. I never really wanted any. I didn't think I was self-less enough to handle it. Then I met Noah, and I learned that children hold all the secrets to life. They get it. They are nothing but pure love, imagination, and play. They are free. I never imagined there would be a little dude, dressed as Superman, playing my piano, singing about baseball and tigers~ unknowingly teaching me that if I'm not playing, then I'm not learning. What a gift he & his daddy turned out to be. My health was on some strange, shaky ground this year, but all is good now. As I continue my quest for wellness, I pray that each and every one of you take time to watch after yourself. Don't get so caught up in trying to be something so great, that you sacrifice your health, like I did. Please take care of yourself, drink plenty of water, and eat your veggies (I recommend the eggplant) In 2011, we carry on. More songs, more shows, a new album, new art, more love. And in the end, family is all that matters. Thank you for being a part of my family. Here's to a wonderful holiday & a happy new year! All you need is Love. (doot doo doobie doo wah) Love is all you need. Autumnp/s New Christmas song released next week -- New blog posted -- check autumnonline.com for upcoming shows Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com turning 30I'm turning 30 in a couple weeks. There is suddenly a 2 week race to get in the healthiest shape of my life. I'm not sure why that happens, but I'm assuming it will subside after my birthday. Here are some other things I've noticed upon entering my 3rd decade:The Taco Bell you used to eat, now makes you fat, within minutes. That whole expression, "it goes straight to my hips" is actually true. Bummer.Metabolism changes, for the worse.Priorities shift, for the better.Thoughts of creating a family of your own happen more often.Taking shots of alcohol makes you gag.Suddenly, you realize there is a timeframe. Tick tock.Your hair starts to thin out.You learn to quiet your mind and be still.You don't give a shit about what people think.There is a greater need for physical touch and affection.You remember who you were as a child, and those characteristics turned out to be the greatest attributes of who you are today.There is no need or desire to stay up late anymore.There is no need to go to ACL fest and stand in a large crowd of people if you don't want to.Everybody will tell you how much better the 30s are than the 20s, and you feel relieved.You realize that there is no one on this Earth who doesn't have it hard. Compassion is greater than ever before.You fall for older men that intrigue you, instead of boys that need to be saved.You rejoin a gym.You pray more.Your face still breaks out.30 still sounds so old and far away.You know yourself, and you don't hate yourself anymore.You tell the Truth more.You feel like a woman instead of a young girl.You don't get ID'ed as much. And when you do, you thank the waiter.You are more open to other opinions, and listen with grace instead of rage.You don't do what you don't wanna do. There is less obligation to please others.Everyone else that is 30 looks older to you than you look to yourself.You care less about being tan, and even consider wearing SPF 15 daily.Drink more water.Eat more veggies.You don't get attached as easily, but you love harder.You learn to watch yourself so you don't make the same mistakes, and then when you do make the same mistakes, you brush off and move on quicker instead of beating yourself up.The highs are higher and the lows are lower. Life is deep and richer than ever before. This is good and bad.You get new bras.You learn how to breath and cope.You still crave something intriguing.You are not afraid to cry.You read more good books.Enough time has past that you let go of the resentment and pain of your high school sweetheart.You care for less of a physical attraction, and more for an emotional attraction.Women become your allies instead of threats. Cattiness subsides.And best of all, You whole-heartedly feel like you are just now getting to the good stuff. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com TASTE.You are so sweetwhen You are saltyWe should dance first.PIRATE.I noticed the moon tonightI saw the light on your face and the shadows left to illumineThe moon can take the top,I'll take the bottomA little light goes a long wayJUST BE LOVE.I breath inI breath outI've got nothing muchfigured outI may notbe good enoughand only everjust be love. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com Long time, no blog, I know....there have been A LOT of things happening these past 4 months. Here's the gist: got diagnosed with Celiac Disease (an autoimmune disease that interferes with absorption of nutrients from food, yielding a complete intolerance to Gluten) Translation: eat gluten = get sick, reealllllly sick. So I am currently directly smackdab in the epicenter of undergoing a forced life change. I cannot, under any circumstances, consume gluten...which is in just about everything delicious. It's also in makeup, lotions, hair products, cleaning products, and worst-of-all, beer (NOOOOOO!!!!) So I've had to de-gluten my life. Not so easy, not so fun, but it's not the end of the world, and every day gets easier.You see, I love beer. So much. Now, I cannot drink beer, unless it's Gluten Free. And those taste like ass. But, it's okay. I was also an extremely active participant in the Taco Cabana, Taco Bell, Taco Bueno tri-fecta of gloriousness. Not anymore...those days are done. No beer, no fast food. I wasn't even aware that a life outside beer and fastfood existed, or that a life without Taco Bueno would be a life worth living...come to find out, it is possible to survive. and even live a happy life.Honestly, it was NOT okay. Until I got a grip and realized that things could be a lot worse. Now, it's okay. The pity party is officially OVER. But I still want a party burrito and a muchaco.I've been writing down the entire "journey" for another blogsite all together, in an effort to help out others being diagnosed with the same thing. That should be up and running ASAP-it is coming. I'll let you know when it arrives.Yeah, so, I've basically been stuck in my house, on health sabbatical, trying to figure out how to live gluten free, because eating out is not a safe option for me right now (and I LOVE to eat out)...touring is near impossible at this moment, but not forever...just right now. I am stringing together shows here and there, but a big tour is out of the question right this very second, until I learn how to travel without getting "glutened". I look at this time as a great opportunity to really focus on building up some sweet shows in the greatest home city of all, Austin Texas. Not too shabby.While the GF things an ongoing lesson and total pain in the ass, I've realized that being "forced" to change my habits and lifestyle has blessed me in other ways. 1) I completed yoga teacher training, and I'm now "officially" "licensed" to be ayoga teacher. I started this teacher training series with NO intention of ever teaching yoga. I just wanted to learn the inner workings. But I think I may teach after all...maybe 1 day a week in Austin? We'll see...2) I've also started a little online Masters program with the Berklee School of Music in Boston. If I can't go out and play, I will bring the music to me. This education will assist in my songwriting, for my 3rd album, which will be out next year. Ole!3) By simplifying my world, a deeper life unfolded. I cleansed my diet, my lifestyle, my house, my friends. I hit the reset button. I started from scratch and have slowly added in the things that are healthy, exciting, good and fun. I also pray a lot. From this, an entire new world of kind-hearted and inspiring people are now surrounding me. I am invigorated by music again. I actually feel alive, instead of just sick and weary. Life is good.4) I can cook. Who knew?! NEVER ever did I think I would say something like that, but it is true. I can cook. What a discovery.There is so much more to say. I realize this is pretty scattered, but I had to start somewhere because it's been so long and an update was in order. I have not fallen off the face of the Earth. If anything, I guess you could say, "I'm back, bitches!!"Oh, If you have any questions about celiac, please feel free to email me! autumn@autumnonline.comLet's focus on the good stuff: I have a great big show in Dallas, TX on Sunday night at The Granada Theater, opening for Marc Cohn (Walking in Memphis) -- spread the word! www.granadatheater.comalso playing Saturday eve in Magnolia, TX at the Wildbird Sactuary with Marc Douglas Berardo! All details are listed under TOUR.****coming soon...a new Christmas song DECEMBER 15th...a new newsletter - DECEMBER 1st sign up for email list for December's Newsletter...a new music video - JANUARY 2011...video blogs galore...a new blog: "turning 30" (hits website next week)stay tuned and thanks for listening,I love your face.Autumn Boukadakis Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com Hey guys,I have a big, long, bulky blog mostly written...but I just can't post it yet, it's coming...it'll be here by the weekend. In the meantime, I'm opening for Marc Cohn at The Granada Theater on Nov. 21st. This is going to be a spectacular evening!!!Please pass on the word to your friends & lovers.Thanks!Autumn Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com Over the river & through the woodsbeneath the sand & fossilized earthbeyond the lord is my shepherdbehind the walls of my heart centerI intentionally bring my hands togethersource the lightsource the lightsource the light againcan you see it?a spec of moon rising on the furthest planetwe are way past Jupiter, my darling.in orbit eternally; beautifulwhether we like it or notdark is to black as black is to prisonprison is lonely like tarred galaxy rock & isolationswarming around the atmosphere.So, hone a subtle sip of energy through the prismof doubt and shame and discouragement and-source the lightsource the lightsource the light, through it alland through it allthe crow will eventually balk & the stars will stalk us all,the slightest breath serves as a reminderthat this has nothing to do with you...and this has everything to do with you. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com for whatever reason, I woke up abruptly at 4:45am...wrote this down, then went back to sleep:Hey Dragon,Don't you know?You are one big MisunderstandingCobbled and corpsedcooped and commandedStrong with your firedefeated withoutSome people can't survive thisBut you willAnd your dragon wings will spreadlike a butterflied filetAt that momentAnd I can't wait for that dayOf utter soul explosionOn and off the stageUntil then, get some rest firstSleep out in the desertSpend some time with dragon friendsOnly they understand youAnd you will be safe with them. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com Hey everyone!Please check out www.onairstreaming.com for the video of my song 'Higher' -- Also see up-close and personal videos of Bob Schneider, William Fitzsimmons, Alpha Rev and more. This new site is adding a very sweet flavor to the music scene in Austin, and all over cyber-space. I am truly honored to be a part of it. As of right now, I am the only female artist featured...check it out!! I feel cool.Also, the band and I are opening for Bob Schneider at Threadgill's in Austin on Sept 24th (south location). 9pm. Please make plans to be entertained by myself and B.S under the stars at this legendary venue!That's it for the music business house keeping. Please check back often...I just got a new Iphone 4- Despite the janky reception, the video quality is quite exceptional. I intend to post a ton of random videos/photos...via blog and twitter. My life has changed dramatically over the past 3 months, and I intend to share the new art results with you often.Thanks for listening.I love you. I really really do.Autumn Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com Hi there!! Autumn just recently added another part of her website (drum roll please) The Band Blog. I know what yall are thinking...who are you? what instrument do you play? I know I know...I am the behind the scenes gal who isn't necessarily on the stage singing so beautifully as Autumn, but I'm the one that you see running around before, during and after the show. The girl who usually is selling merchandise or taking pictures. Pretty much Autumn's biggest fan, but not a stalker! (insert laughter now). I just wanted to introduce myself..Hi, whats up! Glad you are on the website checking up on Autumn and her whereabouts. And I will promise you that the next entry I post will be more interesting and intriguing. It's Sunday night around 11pm and I am hooked on an "I Love Lucy" marathon. Probably been watching it for about two hours now. And no I am not boring or outdated...its lucy she's a classic and pretty funny might I add. But enough about that, I guess you would like to know a little bit more about me. I went to UT and graduated in 2006 and decided to stay here in Austin. I was working for a radio station for while - you might have heard of it?...Mix 94.7 :) - that's how I met Autumn. Now we are just two girls living the dream...Autumn a musician and me an unemployed 26 year old looking for that perfect knock your socks off job. I think Autumn got the better end of that deal, but it's all good for the both of us! I help her out with her gigs and shboking them and she sings and writes beautiful music that everyone should know and love. The band is great!! Rob, Greg and Ray when everyone is together. Good stuff. Autumn landed a monthly show at The Mean Eyed Cat on 5th street every 3rd Monday of the month. If you haven't been out to hear that show - well you should. Its goodness with a little music here and there (wink wink...its all music silly). Sometimes we have special guests so you get the best of both worlds...not bad for a Monday night when the beer flows like water and the weather is so great like its been lately. So basicaclly I expect to see a bunch of you (whoever you might be) at Mean Eyed Cat later this month. Come say hi and enjoy the music! Goodnight sweet world until the next time I post. Lauren Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com <wordtidy> It finally happened. My friend Tricia called me today, ready to go on a weekend getaway... I have been waiting for this moment since October of 2008, when Tricia found out she was pregnant -- and I lost my travel partner. Good travel partners are hard to come by, so you can imagine my elation when the phone rang, and her husband (my hero) gave her a free pass to a destination of our choosing. I knew she'd come back to me. The first step was getting permission. CHECK. Step 2 is deciding where to go.... Out of this entire country we call America -50 states and 13 original colonies, spanning 3.79 million square miles, boasting itself as one of the most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations (thank you, Wikipedia) we cannot find anywhere to go. Washington D.C? too educational. Florida Keys? been there. Vegas? Hell. No. Chicago? My ex lives there and it would be too tempting to call him. San Diego? Tricia is scared of open water. Boston? Southwest doesn't fly direct. So...I googled a map of the United States. I searched 'cool chill vacation spots'. Guess what was listed on the top vacation spot in the U.S? AUSTIN, Texas. Gee, thanks Internet. Maybe it doesn't get better than this. Maybe we should just stay here and put the money towards something beneficial and charitable. But let's get real. That's not going to happen, but it was cute that it entered my thought process to justify being so spoiled. The next logical step is to take to my blog. Ask a trusted source. Anybody that reads this blog, I trust. So if you know of a cool, relaxing, not too hot, not too cold, easy to get to but far enough away, fun, exciting, quick and easy 3-day getaway, let me know! Where is the coolest place you've been? Do you know of a secret sweet spot? tell me, tell me, tell me. I must know :) autumn@autumnonline.com --We will find it. Together we can make a difference. Thank you. </wordtidy> Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com Oprah says to write down 5 things that you are grateful for, every day. here's mine: (in no particular order)THE DALAI LAMAHOMESLICE PIZZASAWYER from LOSTYOGADAD Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com Well, I had an official Facebook Musicians Fanpage, but it disappeared... randomly... out of nowhere -- not sure how or why, but thanks to my friends at Lotos Nile for kindly building a brand new Fan page! The new one is all bright and shiny. It is linked to my personal Facebook, so let's be friends. CLICK HERE to add!Our next show is in Denver, CO, at The Walnut Room. Friday, April 2nd. My mom is concerned that the show is on Good Friday...she is worried that nobody will come out to party. I informed her that it would be okay, and we won't be eating meat while we are playing, so we should be alright. If you have friends in the state of Colorado, please let them know that we will be town...and no matter what religion you choose to practice, it will be a good Friday for all. Everyone is welcome! (well, 21 and up) www.thewalnutroom.com.Here's some backstage footage from our first trip to the Walnut Room--Also, Bobby Duncan and I will be playing the "Party en Playa II" this summer. June 10th. Playa del Carmen is a wonderful destination for a relaxing vacation, a wild dose of fun, and/or a honeymoon getaway. Come celebrate it all with us! It's just plain fun. That's it for music news...I'm also working on getting a blog for the band...because they are very funny and entertaining, and they are definitely blog-worthy...more on that soon -thanks for reading!xoautumn Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com :: SXSW : Thank you to my sponsors, Jack and Diet, for keeping me afloat during SXSW (South By Southwest music festival). For those of you that don't know, SX ('south by' is the ironic abbreviation for this already abbreviated word) is a huge festival in Austin. Hundreds, or thousands, or hell - maybe even millions (??) of bands congregate to Austin from all over the world, for one week of musical jubilato. Our fine city is transformed to an emo hipster trendy pop punk rock slash trash euro Americana invasion. Basically, a lot of the out-of-town guests give off the vibe that they are angry at their parents, they like to smoke, and music feeds their soul. Their angst and excitement radiates energy through downtown Austin, injecting the locals with just enough buzz to appreciate the culture...but just enough inconvenience to be glad when it's all over. I love it. Last year I officially played the festival. This year I didn't even have a wristband. No need. There is so much "unofficial" talent, I would never even attempt to acquire the coveted badge/wristband/Perez Hilton VIP ticket. It simply isn't needed to have a good time. And at the end of it all, I look back and realize that we ended up going to the exact same bars we always do, and hung out with the exact same group as usual, it just cost more & it took longer to get a beer. Amid all the hype and skinny jeans, I love how the intention is the same as any night in Austin: It's all about the music (and alcohol). That makes me proud to be an Austinite. So here's to another great year. Thank you to our guests. And thank you to our city for keeping live music alive. I've attached some iPhone pics from the week. I did experience some new acts, but the best show I saw was that of Sam Baker and Gurf Morlix at Opal Divine's on Penfield. The crowd levitated. Seriously. I have never seen anything quite like it. I've seen hundreds, thousands, hell - maybe millions - of Sam Baker shows. But this particular showcase was supreme. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com -this is a question I get asked A LOT. Well, here's the answer: yes and no. I don't prefer to write every single song on my albums. I'm sure it would be more "impressive" to you if I did, but 6-8 originals is good for me. Why? Well...with the first album, there were a few covers I just HAD to sing, or I thought I would die. And, since I'm still alive, my theory has proven to be true-- good for me! Looking back and taking it a step further, I'm sure part of me just wasn't confident enough that my own songs could stand on their own...so I enlisted the power of solid written "professional" tunes to make the best album possible. I wrote my fair share of truth, then used the force of undeniably great art, just to be sure. You know that anytime you put yourself "out there," it's scary and vulnerable. For me, releasing the first album was riveting and petrifying, so maybe I subconsciously just needed the security blanket of others (i.e. Bruce Robison and Patty Griffin). There was comfort in knowing that if my songs were not accepted, the others could stand on their own, so I was safe! I would like for that not to be true. I would like to say that these writers came to me and pitched their songs, begging me to cut them. Or that I wrote every line; bravely, fiercely, with no doubts or questions or insecurities whatsoever. Not the case. But, their songs came into my world, I needed to sing them to stay alive, so I did. With the 2nd album, I wrote 7 and covered the rest. Most covers are Walt Wilkins songs, along with a Patty Griffin cover. Why? Because I think his songs should be cut by everybody, always. They are poetry. They hit me. Show me a better writer, and I'll start singing their songs too. But, I simply haven't found one yet. So, I will cut Walt Wilkins songs for the rest of my life, proudly. Patty, too. I have never written a song with the intention of selling it, or making money off of it, or pandering to a specific audience. I can't do it. I don't want to do it. Maybe that makes me more of a singer than a songwriter...label it whatever...doesn't matter to me, both sound nice. The general idea is: I am happy to share my deepest thoughts with you, but here are some other writers that deserve your attention as well-- enjoy! For this next record, I have done a LOT more writing. My confidence as a writer is stronger, and I could easily do all 12 originals. However, everything will get recorded eventually...so not all 12 tracks need to be MINE MINE MINE. I intend to release more fantastic songs that were not written by ME ME ME. That is important to me. Songwriters should consider cutting other songwriters they believe in...to keep songwriting going. Nothing wrong with that in my book, I think it's cool. If you disagree, let me know, let's discuss. I just feel that if something is excellent, it should be shared. It's pretty simple- the songs that move you, well, sing em. Doesn't matter if someone already cut it, it should be shared. The more the merrier, right? Ahhh, if there were no such thing as ego, or image, this might be an easier concept for all of us to accept. The fact remains: A good song is a good song. It's not really yours, it's not really mine. Just sing it already. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com dear blog,Last night was beautiful. We had a show at The Parish in Austin, supporting Betty Soo & Cadillac Sky. Fantastic musicians all around. Here is some footage that Lauren took with her FlipCam...Click here to watch Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com I can hold my breath for 7 minutes & 20 seconds.  I know this because I just watched this clip & I was so enraptured, I didn't exhale until it was over.I twittered this clip a few weeks ago, after Justin Timberlake sang for the Haiti Relief show.  My little brother sent me an email, telling me that I MUST watch Justin's performance.  He was completely blown away.  It was good, but this, to me, is the real thing.  I think this may be best song ever written.And I recently discovered Dinah Washingon...spent $50 on Itunes just sifting through her stuff the other night.  The following song, "Teach Me Tonight" was introduced to me by a dear friend, and I simply cannot stop listening.  I know Dianna Krall & Amy Winehouse both have cool performances of this piece on Youtube, but I wanted you to hear it.Alright.  That's good for now...there is so much more I'd like to post -- including some current songs from this decade.  Will post more soon.  If you have a clip you dig, please share.  email me the link: autumn@autumnonline.coml.o.v.e.autumn Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com I am writing & reading through old journals (I have stacks and stacks). Some make sense, some don't at all, some are poems, phrases, pictures, scattered thoughts that don't add up...I'll share them either way. These are typically free flow thoughts that are never intended for songs or anything, they just kinda happen.From One Side to the Other.By AutumnThese days I go from one side to the otherOpen the refrigerator door; keep it cool just like my MotherBrother Sam would rather keep things shutSee, I can do that tooFrom one side to the otherFrom red to green to blueIt's a tightrope, babyCan you walk a real fine line?From one side to the otherFrom hers to yours to mineWhen the elevators broken, then we have to take the stairsBut the houses with one-story, well, see, no one really caresSkip, skip down the streetTurn the page, ain't life sweetLately I have noticed, we're not skipping downSo skip ahead to find out what will happen nowRun, run down the trackRide away & don't look backI'm gonna buy a clock, keep the hands at 10 and 2Fall back, spring forward, red to green to blueI'm not gonna worry up until my time is throughYou just let me know; and I'll just never knowTick to hold on tight, tock to let it goI carry my new clock, without worries, without caresI carry all my stories, even when I take the stairsI carry the tightrope, for good balance and good measureI carry one for you, to skip or walk on at your leisureI carry the fridge, I carry my brotherI carry as I go, from one-side-to-the-other. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com I'd miss this too much . . . Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com 1. THE BIG RED MUG:My sis gave me this for Xmas, it is the greatest coffee mug in the world. It's Big. It's Red. And the handle doesn't get hot when you microwave it. She bought it from Anthropologie...a great gift to give! 2. THE LEFSETZ LETTER: I dig this dude's writing. Sign up & get his emails, they are always very interesting and can apply to most industries. He consistently reminds musicians to stop whining, work hard, & care about art. He tells his truth, and that is cool to me. Ex:"If you want to be a musician, you must flush image down the toilet, be three-dimensional, write from the heart and make yourself accessible to fans.Because it begins and ends with the music.That's the power of song. It has the ability to unite us. Both black and white. Rich and poor. Republican and Democrat. We're all Americans. When are we going to stop fighting and join together to solve the myriad problems facing our nation?Sixties values need to return. That's right, it's time to love your brother."3. POLAROID APP: I take so many pictures on the Iphone...this app is free & makes your pictures look pro. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com Looking for inspiration!? Read on... Every year, my brother compiles a BOOK LIST. I look forward to this every year, because it not only makes me laugh, but it inspires me to READ! (which leads to better writing). Hopefully it will inspire you as well...enjoy! -autumn Word to all my gangstas, It’s the start of a new year which means it’s time for my annual year end booklist. (Hold for applause, praise, laudation, cat calls, hotel rooms keys, and red satin thongs). For those of you new to the list, welcome. For those of you returning, welcome back. For those of you who deleted this email once you saw it was from me, please enjoy burning in Hell. There are many non-alcoholic activities I enjoy on this planet: spelunking, bum fights, Miley Cyrus movies, fist-pumping, crashing White House parties, burning stuff, getting older and watching high school girls stay the same age, Tokyo drifting… But the one I love and cherish above all others, is reading. Over the course of a year I try to read a book a week. The operative word being try , as I always seem to come up a bit short. ( That’s what she said … Shut up, I know you were thinking it.) I try to be diverse, researching and reading works spanning a wide range of time periods, subjects, and genres - both classics and modern titles - all of which usually fall into the Fiction, Non-Fiction, or Biography categories. The books I select don’t have to be published within the given year, though many of them are. I only count BOOKS on this list. Not the hundreds of screenplays or magazine articles or folded pamphlets on How to Prevent Spousal Abuse the guy outside WholeFoods tries to hand me as I briskly walk past pretending to talk on my cell phone. Listen, pal, you really want to know how to prevent spousal abuse? Don’t get married. I kick off every year by reading The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Why, you ask? Read it, and you shall have your answer. I’ve followed this ritual for the past ten years, ever since my book list began. (So, yes, for those of you who can do math, I started my book list when I was 15, as I’m now 25…riiiight?) I feel that each year of reading has been more eye-opening and rewarding than the last and this year was no exception. Before we get to my TOP FIVE READS OF THE YEAR and the BOOK LIST in its entirety, here are a few thoughts and highlights from the year that was 2009: - I completed the final book in the four book series of Rabbit novels written by American wordsmith John Updike. (The novels, in sequential order, are: Rabbit, Run , Rabbit Redux , Rabbit is Rich , and Rabbit at Rest ��" the last two winning Pulitzer Prizes). The novels tell the story of fictional everyman Harry Rabbit Angstrom, each book picking up close to ten years in time after the one prior. I won’t go into too much detail, but this is one of the best series I’ve ever read, exquisitely capturing the all-encompassing arc of one man’s existence on this planet. I recommend everyone read this series at some point in their lives. Personally, I decided to space it out, reading one book a year, for four years. I enjoyed this as each subsequent book felt like a homecoming ��" getting to revisit a beloved character ten years down the road in his life; seeing all that was the same, all that had changed. Finishing this series in 2009 feels especially apropos and meaningful; unfortunately for the world of letters, John Updike ��" one of the great writers of our time ��" passed away earlier this year. That said, he’s kind of like the Tupac of writers. He’s miraculously published a couple books since his death… - The most dazzlingly fun, page-turning, genre twisting, pulp soaked, can’t-put-it-down novels I read this year include Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell; The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played with Fire by Steig Larsson; and, City of Thieves by David Benioff. One was written by a young doctor while working the traumatic ER night shift. Two were written by a now dead Swedish political journalist. And one was written by the screenwriter who wrote The 25th Hour and Troy . If you’re interested, you’ll figure out who’s who. That’s why Wikipedia was invented, motherbitches! - New authors I discovered this year. (And when I say new I mean new to me, not to like, the Earth). A couple of these literary uber pimps I’d been hearing about for years, just hadn’t gotten around to scratching their itches. A couple were unknowns to me before our paths intertwined. A good unexpected book or author can be a lot like a pregnant ex-girlfriend you owe money. You don’t find them. They find you. We’ll start with Charles Bukowski. He’s the type of novelist that is so well renown ��" for his writing as well as his lifestyle ��" I can’t believe this year was the first time I picked up one of his succulent tomes. Good lord. This guy is an animal. All brain stem. The ID on hyperdrive. He eats, breathes, lives in the dirt. No polish, all edge. And I love it. Just saying the man’s name makes me want to brush my teeth. And floss. With a brillo pad. Dipped in Clorox. For those of you who watch Californication (which, if you don’t, slap yourself for being a disgrace to humanity), Charles Bukowski is the original Hank Moody, minus David Duchovny’s looks, charm, and penchant for marital fidelity. If you’d like to submerge yourself in some meaty, decadent, delicious darkness, start by checking out Bukowski’s Post Office or Factotum . Just be prepared to take a long hot shower afterward. Trust me, you’ll be the opposite of clean. Next is Jay McInerney, wunderkind author of Bright Lights, Big City . (Yes, the same craptastic 80’s flick starring Michael J. Fox ��" good for you, you remember something he’s in other than Back to the Future and The Secret of My Success too). This novel is anything but crap. Told in second-person narrative, this existential romp through the cocaine-fueled night life of 1980’s Manhattan marked a new era in contemporary literature. What’s so compelling about it is the work feels just as relevant today as it was twenty years ago. I’ve heard McInerney’s later books never quite live up to this debut novel, but I’m still excited to further explore his curriculum vitae. Holla! Thirdly is a new dude named Lev Grossman. He wrote a book published this year called The Magicians . It’s kind of like Harry Potter ��" but with sex-starved, drug-addled, angst-ridden college drop outs. Hey, there’s one in all of us… And lastly is a an Irish author named Colum McCann. This man has written (as you’ll see below) my favorite book of the year. It’s called Let the Great World Spin . It just won the National Book Award. I’ll only tell you two things about it. It involves New York. And tight-rope walking. There’s some hookers in there too. It’s a towering achievement and if you’re still reading this you should stop and go buy. It will look great next to all the other books on your shelf you promised you’d read. And that’s all I have to say about new authors. I’m winded. - For an exceptionally funny, laugh-out-loud, possibly-just-defecated-my cut-off-Jordache-jean-shorts read, check out: How I Became a Famous Novelist by Steve Hely. The author is so amusing, he was hired this season as a staff writer on 30 Rock . He also guest stars as the dead border collie that is Tina Fey’s new haircut. - And now for my biggest disappointments of the year. Perhaps most upsetting was the book Sunnyside by Glen David Gold, who’s debut novel, Carter Beats the Devil is one of my favorite all time reads. Sunnyside is a well written, well researched, plotless train wreck of a story. I’d rather read The Notebook in Sanskrit while having a root canal on my cornea than trudge through this hulking soft cock of a book again. The other saddening calamity this year is The Angel’s Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, a Spanish author who’s only other English-translated novel, Shadow of the Wind , is one of the most atmospheric and chilling works I’ve ever had the pleasure of visually molesting. My younger brother got me the advanced galleys of The Angel’s Game for my 30th birthday. (I don’t know what he had to do to get it, but I assume it involved lots of insert your own naughty words here ). Turns out I had something else to cry over that birthday (aside from the loose skin and old balls which strike all men at the portentous death gong of 30). This book was a preachy, bombastic, overly florid attempt at mixing magic, religion, and some city called Barcelona. Bar-thee-lona. I’d advise travelling elsewhere. Also, let me pepper in here right quick: I’ve never been a big Dan Brown fan. And yet, you’ll notice I read two of his books this year. One old. One new. Why, you ask? Excellent question. Do I enjoy torture? Depends on who’s holding the whip. You see, I liked The Da Vinci Code fine. It was a fun read and functions well as a coaster. I guess I was hoping I’d get a mildly entertaining read out of these two abominations, but it was not to be. I’m going to go ahead and take full responsibility here. This is my fault. I’m to blame. If the marketing machine behind Dan Brown can convince me to eat not only one, but two of his half-baked, salmonella-filled, shit sandwiches, then more power to them. I guess I kind of feel like I did when I read that book The Secret . You want to know what the secret is? You just wasted twenty bucks. - A final shout out goes to original gangster Ernest Hemingway for writing a book I didn’t entirely hate. I actually (bite my tongue) really liked it. (For those of you who aren’t familiar, I’m not Hemingway’s biggest cheerleader ��" but that’s a whole other conversation. It will require alcohol. Knives are strictly prohibited) A Moveable Feast is a real life, non-fiction account of Hemingway’s years in Paris as part of the American expatriate circle of writers of the 1920’s. Famous peeps that make an appearance include Ezra Pound, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ford Maddox Ford, John Dos Passos, Gertrude Stein, and James Joyce. Pretty cool he got to party, hang, and in some cases have relations with, all these people. Take it for a spin. It will make you want to dance, drink wine, and travel to exotic locations. Like the closest French restaurant to wherever you live. And now without further ado… My Top Five Reads of the Year. The only criteria is that I found them worthy. While I dug a lot of books this annum, these are the ones I can’t get out of my head. Keep in mind, while I like all kinds of reads, when it comes to assigning a hierarchy, I tend to lean toward the more literary works (which is just a nice way of saying I’m a book snob. And a Republican). Tales I’ve read before like The Great Gatsby or Old School by Tobias Wolff (which if you haven’t read, you must ��" don’t fret, it’s not the book version of the Vince Vaughn movie, although that’s a book I’d like to read) aren’t in consideration. I won’t go into detail on these bad boys because half the fun of reading is browsing through Amazon and making your own discoveries. If you’re looking for great reads to start off the new year, you can’t go wrong with my: TOP FIVE READS OF 2009 1.) Let the Great World Spin ��" Colum McCann2.) Nocturnes ��" Kazuo Ishiguro3.) Rabbit at Rest ��" John Updike4.) Netherland ��" Joseph O’Neill5.) Lowboy ��" James Wray RUNNER’S UP(AKA: IF THIS WAS A TOP TEN LIST AND NOT A TOP FIVE LIST) 6.) A Moveable Feast ��" Ernest Hemingway7.) The Rum Diary ��" Hunter S. Thompson8.) Pictures at a Revolution ��" Mark Harris9.) Bright Lights, Big City ��" Jay McInerney10.) Post Office ��" Charles Bukowski10.5) Beat the Reaper ��" Josh Bazzel BOOKS READ IN 2009 1.) The Great Gatsby ��" F. Scott Fitzgerald2.) The Rum Diary ��" Hunter S. Thompson3.) Beat the Reaper ��" Josh Bazell4.) Rabbit at Rest ��" John Updike5.) The Mystic Arts of Erasing All Signs of Death ��" Charlie Huston6.) How to Read Literature Like a Professor ��" Thomas C. Foster7.) City of Thieves ��" David Benioff8.) Invisible Cities ��" Italo Calvino9.) The Tourists ��" Jeff Hobbs10.) Lowboy ��" James Wray11.) The Lie ��" Chad Kultgen12.) The Women ��" T.C. Boyle13.) Maps and Legends ��" Michael Chabon14.) The Angel’s Game ��" Carlos Ruiz Zafon15.) Angels and Demons ��" Dan Brown16.) Old School ��" Tobias Wolff17.) Bright Lights, Big City ��" Jay McInerney18.) A Moveable Feast ��" Ernest Hemingway19.) Netherland ��" Joseph O’Neill20.) The Informers ��" Brett Easton Ellis21.) B is for Beer ��" Tom Robbins22.) A Separate Peace ��" John Knowles23.) Brief Conversations with Hideous Men ��" David Foster Wallace23.) Sunnyside ��" Glen David Gold24.) The Bricklayer ��" Noah Boyd25.) The Book of Laughter and Forgetting ��" Milan Kundera26.) Post Office ��" Charles Bukowski27.) The Four Hour Work Week ��" Timothy Ferriss28.) Factotum ��" Charles Bukowski29.) Ham on Rye ��" Charles Bukowski30.) The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo ��" Stieg Larsson31.) The Crying of Lot 49 ��" Thomas Pynchon32.) And Here’s the Kicker ��" Mike Sacks33.) The Girl Who Played with Fire ��" Stieg Larsson34.) How I Became a Famous Novelist ��" Steve Hely35.) That Old Cape Magic ��" Richard Russo36.) The Moon is Down ��" John Steinbeck37.) Zeitoun ��" Dave Eggers38.) The Magicians ��" Lev Grossman39.) The Winter of Our Discontent ��" John Steinbeck40.) The Lost Symbol ��" Dan Brown41.) Nocturnes ��" Kazuo Ishiguro42.) Indignation ��" Philip Roth43.) Manhood for Amateurs ��" Michael Chabon44.) When You are Engulfed in Flames ��" David Sedaris45.) American Rebel: The Life of Clint Eastwood ��"Marc Elliot46.) Last Night in Twisted River ��" John Irving47.) Pictures at a Revolution ��" Mark Harris48.) Bel Canto ��" Ann Patchet49.) The Fortress of Solitude ��" Jonathan Lethem50.) Let the Great World Spin ��" Colum McCann A home without books, is like a body without soul. ��" Cicero Happy Reading, Joey Boukadakis Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com 1) PixelPeach.com - check out this website! I adore the art & photography of Pixel Peach. Everything they do is lovely & "strangely beautiful" 2) Please welcome the latest addition to my family: the new Korg SV-1 Stage Piano! I just got this guy for my bday, and it sounds AWESOME. Thank you, Mr. Korg, for making such a beautiful instrument. For keyboard enthusiasts, this has fantastic Wurli & Rhodes sounds!! 3) And finally...How can this not make you smile?! Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com :: Demo :: I've been cutting some demos of new songs in the studio with Philip Prasek. From here, I will re-write & revise and compile a nice little demo CD of all my new songs for Walt Wilkins (producer) to hear. Then we will all start making a record . . . hopefully sometime later this year (?!).  Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com :: Classic :: Here's a little 'behind the scenes' action before our show at The Church Studio in Tulsa. Ron Flynt is showing us some Leon Russell songs, once recorded in this very spot back in the 70s. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com ONE WORLD THEATRE - JAN 15TH - BUY TICKETS HERE! Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com Me & Pretty Little Melinda Ann...getting creative at 2am...we are gonna be rich!!   Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com 1. I LOVE how the fight against breast cancer is everywhere we look...even the teller tube at Walgreens is thinking Pink!   2. New OPI Winter colors are out!Favorite colors are DEAR SANTA, SMITTEN WITH MITTENS, & GLOVE YOU SO MUCH!   3. BIKES FOR KIDSMy favorite local Xmas Charity...EVERY year, my friends JB & Sandy raise money to buy hundreds of bikes for local Austin kiddos. Donate HERE   Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT http://www.autumnonline.com 1) this outfit from Anthropologie:featured in the November catalogue!http://www.anthropologie.com/ 2) this book:The Roadby Cormac McCarthy 3) this website:http://www.houseofturquoise.com/ Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:21 GMT