The Flyin' A's- Living in Live Music

'Tis the Season Tips Anyone?

2011-12-05T15:39:00.001-08:00

'Tis the Season Tips

for staying jolly?

Here is the latest Flyin' A creation. A whole lot of glitter, and a whole lot more of what we like to call "home made hilary"! Thought it was fitting for the question at hand!

So does anyone out there have tips for making it through the holidays with all the sanity we start them with? I love my family, love my friends, but it never fails, there is always at least two or three days during the holidays I feel like my head is going to explode!!!

I don't know if it the media, the inner pressure for the "ideal" experience, the old baggage that dates back to the 12 year old in me or what...but during the week before and after Christmas you will find me in tears atleast once, frustrated atleast 3 times...and overwhelmed, well a lot of the time.

I must say, it never stops me from being excited about decorating the tree, making that 3rd cup of hot cocoa, or planning that extra get together so I can see the extended family one last time...but what is it about the "holidays" that gives rise to so many emotions???

Yeah, don't get me wrong...I love the jolly emotions, and I sure do look more jolly at the end of the 2 week binge connected to all those nutty emotions then at the beginning of them, but I would love to get through just one holiday without the downs of it all.

I know, that is probably asking too much...a "manic" holiday with out the "depressive" parts might not be realistic these days. But I am going to try to find a happy balance...focus on the highs, and hey, at least the lows provide perspective?

Any advice on the holiday roller coaster is much appreciated...just make a quick comment and share how you deal with it? I know I have a lot to learn!

Are You Ready For Your Close Up???

2011-11-22T07:23:00.001-08:00

FOLK, the documentary film that features the Flyin’ A’s, is almost
ready for the edit room!!!!!
The million dollar question:
"Are You Ready For Your Close Up???"

As the documentary film following us gets closer to coming to fruition, more and more people have asked about why we are letting strangers document my and Stuart's journey through this
life in love and music.

Is it intrusive? Do they set up scenes? Do you feel self conscious? Do they manipulate your relationships? Is it like reality tv?

All I can say is that the experience is nothing like what I expected.

The answers to the above questions are- no, no, no and no!

Okay you caught me, a big YES to the self conscious thing...
I wouldn't be a girl if I didn't worry a little bit about how
big my butt looks on a friggin' "wide" screen!!!!!!!!
How is that fair??? Who came up with that idea???
:)

It is the strangest experience, and the only way I can explain it is like a recipe.
As we've gotten to know the crew, each of the are:

one part cinematographer

one part sound man

one part documentarian

one part friend

one part marriage counselor (while they don't ever say a word, they just listen, it is weirdly therapeutic)

one part roommate

and one part obsessive dog lover (you know I can't help loving other dog lovers!!!).

DIRECTIONS: Mix it all together, and whaaaa-laaaa; the lines naturally blur between work, personal life, friendship, and it all cooks up for an easy
look into our life.

Why dare risk letting someone else tell our story?
(while the ups are easy, the downs are the hard part to share)

Honestly, when I left my old life for this new one in music, I made a conscious decision to challenge my self, my heart and my mind every day.

In the end of it, I figure if there is something from our journey that inspires someone else out there to fight for their dreams, work through a tough spot with a loved one, or at least let them know that they are not alone in this world
then in my heart of hearts, I think it will all be worth it.

Where can you get involved and see this "film trailer" anyway????

They’ve got one of the best editors in the documentary world lined up
to edit the film!!!

If they can put together the funds to get the editing started, then the next step is to submit to Sundance and SXSW film festival...hard to believe it is all starting to come together!

If they get the funding, this is going to be really great break for us...
Please give the trailer a look!
If you feel inspired, there is even a place to help fund the project and join the team!
Click below to check out how wide this bootie of mine looks "wide screen style"!!!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1950031841/folk-a-feature-length-documentary/backers

Am I ready for my close up?
Depends on what you are zooming in on!!!!!!!

How old are you???

2011-10-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

How old are you anyway???

This is one of the top questions people seem to ask when I walk off stage and start a conversation.

Now, Grandma Niecy raised me to know how to be polite,

and this was on the definite list of things NOT TO DO,

along with asking a stranger with a big belly..."when are you due?"

Now, that being said, I know as a performer if you have a good show, hopefully the audience will not only enjoy your music, but we will all have a moment or three where we become friends along the way. So, with that being said, I would like to think that is why people want to know?

So many times in this life we get stuck on age as a way to define ourselves and those around us?

With a world so obsessed with age, beauty and capturing youth;a world where botoxed foreheads and butt lifts are available for a few generous monthly payments, I guess it shouldn't be any wonder people are so curious about my age.

No, no butt lifts or botox on my resume for those who wondered.

I will admit, I usually handle the question with humor, then make up an age that I think will satisfy the person asking. I figure the more ages out there, the better!

Is it my little way of avoiding the question?

Sure, but it's also my way of quietly proving the point that I believe that it isn't necessarily about where we are on this time line compared to the next person that truly defines us. I have met some of the wisest people that are only age 12 and some of the most immature people that are 70...so why do we care so much about our "born on date"?

I believe that we all have a limited time given to us on this earth, and it's not about the birthdate on your drivers license...it's about today's date.

I truly strive to live in the moment, and while I don't always do it well...it is something I always strive for. My big question back to those who ask is....why do you really care how old I am?

There are a lot more interesting questions to ask like what is my favorite food? Who do I admire most in my life? How much do I weigh?(Niecy hated that one too) How did I meet Stuart? How did I get into this music business? What things do I care about most?

Okay, enough of all that...how old am I? Well I figure if you read this far down, you deserve to know. You have put up with my pontification long

enough to see if I will ever brave the question...so here goes.Hilary Claire Adamson's born

on date is July 1, 1974. That's right...some of you reading this are doing the math and realizing I've given you atleast 3 wrong ages...some older, some younger, maybe a few that were correct.

I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for playing my little age game? I just couldn't help it!

I just think our society is so silly about age...but now you know the truth!

Do with it what you will...but maybe help make up a few ages along with me too.

After all, I truly believe you are only as old as you choose to be at heart!

Feelin' The Love

2011-09-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

Feelin' The Love

This first month home has been one of rest, reflection and reconnecting.

I must say I get addicted to the road's adventure and never ending dotted lines, it really feels like our second home at this point, and one we love none the less.

Sinking our roots back in our community back in Austin has been pretty cool too.

This morning I was lucky enough to be on the "First Timers" panel and share what I've learned with a lot of new, up and coming artists. It was a little surreal thinking about my first time sitting in the SWRFA panels, freaking out in the back of the room, trying to soak in as much information as I could, while scared $#!^less that I might say something wrong to someone important. Much to my horror that weekend, I would accidentally steal oreos from one of those people I was so scared of. I hadn't eaten in 24 hours and on the way home in the car, pulled the double stuffed treats out of my backpack and quickly broke the seal and dug in.

Stuart turned to me with a weird look and said...."Hey where did you get those?"

"You bought them for us right?"

(long awkward silence...)

Little did I know, those stolen oreo's have become a running bond with those "scary venue people", and they are some of our closest friends!

In the past 6 years I almost feel like I've become an adrenaline junky...stretching myself musically, artistically and emotionally in so many ways. Some risks have been well received, others opportunities to learn, but man, where would we be today without so many friends along the way pushing us to keep on keepin' on.

Today I am feeling the love, and I hope I am sharing a ton of it too.

After all...there's always enough love to go around if we are willing to spread it!

Two Steppin' Is My Religion

2011-09-13T21:25:00.000-07:00

When two steppin' is done correctly you get a chance to enjoy the music, use that beautiful body God gave you and connect with a new friend. Note, I don't mean "connect" in a weird way...if it is a true dance partner you just follow their lead, sing your heart out with some great music and two step your way to bliss.

Too often honky tonks are associated with too much beer and fist fights. I will admit whole heartedly that I have found more love, compassion and true friendship in a honky tonk then anywhere else in my days. I say that out loud in public and people act like I am crazy. The beauty of true Texas honky tonk is that if that is where you are standing, you know who your standing with. There is no need to say who you "are" and what you "believe"...it is just understood...we all love good Texas Music, a cold beveridge (be it a soda, Lone Star, ice tea or chardonnay) and that is that.

So tonight I send out a special thank you to my new friend Tommy. He is a man I met at The Broken Spoke tonight. He was close to 80 years old, he had tremors you could feel a mile away, but danced like there was no tomorrow and he told me "Girl, you got it all...I will remember this the rest of my life...".

I say to that..."Tommy, thank you for taking the time to ask me to dance, and I'll remember it the rest of my life as well." Life is precious, and there is only one thing you can't get back and that is time. What a gift Tommy chose to share with me...and I'll just say it...he was a great dancer to boot! (even if his boots hurt so much he had to dance in his socks).

Life is good, I feel blessed to have had the chance to meet Two Steppin' Tommy tonight. So there you go, my thoughts on religion! IT IS ALL ABOUT LOVE AIN'T IT????

Two Steppin' Is My Religion

2011-09-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

When two steppin' is done correctly you get a chance to enjoy the music, use that beautiful body God gave you and connect with a new friend. Note, I don't meen "connect" in a weird way...if it is a true dance partner you just follow their lead, sing along with some great music and two step your way to bliss.

Too often honky tonks are associated with too much beer and fist fights. I will admit whole heartedly that I have found more love, compassion and true friendship in a honky tonk then anywhere else in my days. I say that out loud in public and people act like I am crazy. The beauty of true Texas honky tonk is that if that is where you are standing, you know who your standing with. There is no need to say who you "are" and what you "believe"...it is just understood...we all love good Texas Music, a cold beveridge (be it a soda, Lone Star, ice tea or chardine) and that is that.

So tonight I send out a special thank you to my new friend Tommy. He is a man I met at The Broken Spoke tonight. He was close to 80 years old, he had tremors you could feel a mile away, but danced like there was no tomorrow and he told me "Girl, you got it all...I will remember this the rest of my life...".

I say to that..."Tommy, thank you for taking the time to ask me to dance, and I'll remember it the rest of my life as well." Life is precious, and there is only one thing you can't get back and that is time. What a gift Tommy chose to share with me...and I'll just say it...he was a great dance to boot! (even if his boots hurt so much he had to dance in his socks).

Life is good, I feel blessed to have had the chance to meet Two Steppin' Tommy tonight. So there you go, my thoughts on religion! IT IS ALL ABOUT LOVE AIN'T IT????

Frankly My Dear Watson...

2011-08-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

WHAT A TRIP!!!

From our second chance to play Main Stage at Kerrville Folk Festival, to running through the streets of London in a rain storm, what a trip this first half of 2011 has been!

Best quotes from the road:

"It's time to grace the red velvet."

"Would you like a crumpet?"

"You should look in the mirror and start singing like a white girl." (yeah, I don't get that one)

"Excuse me Miss, is this your backpack? Your gonna have to come with me..."

"Let me wire you up, we're just gonna sit and interview you for 10 minutes."

"It's not the size of your paddle, it's what you do with it."

"See that rock? They call it poison rock;one drop and it will kill ya!"

"Sure, tell another joke..." (don't worry, I didn't!)

Highlights from the road:

1. FRIENDS- from the mini paddle ping pong matches in the mountains of Truchas, NM and long talks in the forest of Floyd, VA to cruising in the "VAN" with our buds the Roselly's in the UK...and all the friends we saw and made inbetween...you all are a huge highlight of our adventures!

2. My new shiny Taylor 816CE...it is my new best friend, and yes I kiss this guitar in public too! I know it may be dorky, but thank you Taylor for endorsing me so I can have this beautiful instrument. It's already made me a better player knowing you guys are backing me!

3. The Royal Academy Workshop- I learned so much about singing it truly blew my mind. It has helped me really start thinking about my sound and how to ensure longevity. Thank you Mary King!

4. Reconnecting- This summer's tour really helped Stuart and I reconnect after 5 years of working to build our family and our music. Having so many new adventures together, as well as time to just enjoy each day and new city has been wonderful.

5. Inspiration- so many people had bits of inspiration and advice to share on the road. It was like as we turned each new corner there was a bit of wisdom waiting to find us!

Thank you to all of the venues, festivals, friends, and fans who have spread the word and come out to make all of our shows such a blast. It is an honor to get to share our music with so many wonderful people.

It truly means more to you then I can put into words!!!

Note the wonderful double chin addition to my look...we definitely enjoyed ourselves playing music, and tasting the local flavors! Now time to find those running shows again!!!

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

2011-06-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

It's all a choice...seeing things in shades of blue or rose colored clarity?

Watching CBS news lately has been NUTS! Natural disasters, peaceful protests crushed by violence, mass murders, drug wars, floods, droughts, fires, melt downs, recessions, budget cuts...

...sometimes I can't help but get the blues listening to all of the insanity going on around us.

I have been spending a lot of time working through issues on the home front as well as taking in all this madness that seems to be unraveling around us.

Luckily the new album has been a breath of fresh air this year, and really helped us when we have needed most amongst the financial crisis and madness...thank you to everyone who has picked up a copy or downloaded a song! But, with two step kids and a household to maintain, on top of the music, this year has stretched us both on and off the stage.

I have been hearing those annoying voices in my head screaming "What if...? How will you...? Are you gonna...?" and letting my nerves unravel feeding on anxieties built on negativity, worry and all in all just plain stupidity that I've let sink into my psyche.

My good friend Irene said it best...be careful who's voice you're "giving free rent to in your head"!
She hit the nail on the head (pun totally intended), I've been letting the wrong things manifest in this little head of mine.
(True confession- I actually do have a small head...I wear a bike helmet size meant for an 8yr old, but my dad promises me that is no reflection of IQ!)

So lately I find myself fighting to keep my head in the positive reality of our lives.

Throughout my life I've been accused of seeing things through "rose colored glasses" and I'll be honest about it...often I choose to see things on the positive side. Lately the weight of the blues have been settling in, and I'm not entirely sure why. I think I have been letting my mind buy into the "stresses" of life when in reality those "stresses" I catch myself worrying on are just the "what if's" instead of the "what is"!

So today I am choosing to put my rose colored shades back on, and start focusing on what is going right.

The list starts with great friends, great family, great opportunities to explore and share our music, great travels ahead, and a beautiful sun that seems to shine bright every day no matter what shades I choose!

Perspective is a choice, and today I commit to choosing the sunny side of life through my favorite pair of rose colored glasses. Want to join me?

WILD RIDE

2011-03-15T19:10:00.000-07:00

SXSW is in full swing, and we’ve already made so many wonderful new friends as well as old friends in town with us. From our friends in film and internet marketing world, to fellow musicians streaming into town for the end of the week...Austin is NUTS!

The last 4 days have flown by, and things are just gonna get crazier. I look around and see a life I’ve worked hard to build these past 7 years with Stuart, and life before all this just seems like a dream I am glad to forget. I finally feel like my world has healed and my heart is open to new heights of love and laughter.

With the documentary crew in the picture they’ve been asking a lot of questions about my past and the challenges I’ve faced. It’s been hard to admit out loud some of the scary moments from my first marriage. It’s funny, I catch myself thinking about it more like a movie myself, it just doesn’t seem real compared to this world full of so many wonderful people and experiences.

It’s seems hokey, but I really sincerely wish those from my “other” life well in the end. I hope they are finding the same place in their life that is peace filled.

Some people consider themselves lifelong “survivors” of their experiences, and I can respect that. I must say, my take on my life is a bit different. I think in my life, while yes, I did survive a horrific marriage and some pretty nutty experiences along the way, they are just experiences...memories can haunt me in dreams at times...but over time I’ve noticed the more positive memories I fill my mind with, the less room there seems to be for the ones I am glad to leave in the dust. Plus, a lot of great songs have come out of those less then pleasant experiences. There are a couple of songs on the new album that I was told “wouldn’t ever amount to anything....” and some of those very songs are getting play on airwaves around the world. I must admit, it’s a sweet little taste of success that makes me smile a little wider. That kind of “revenge” sure feels good!

It’s the ups and downs of this crazy ride that keeps it interesting and keeps me growing. I finally feel like my life is on the right track, and sometimes I can’t believe the love that my friends in both music and life share with me every day.

HILARY HIT MUTE...IS THAT POSSIBLE????

2011-01-09T19:26:00.000-08:00

Jan. 9, 2011

A TECHNO-FREAK OUT!!!

No pictures, no beeps...no nothing...I put technology on MUTE!!!!!

I took a full 4 days and purged myself of all technology from Dec. 27-30, and I

hate to admit it, but it TOTALY ROCKED!

Now, in the same breath I admit one way we make it as “Indie” artists is our web presence and following. Thank you to all of you cats out there that find us, “follow” us, check out our live unedited video on youtube and then buy our music and come to shows!

This is a crazy time we live in. It seems like at all times I have at least one little apparatus with me that beeps every 23 seconds with something I need to know. I hear that I can be tracked by satellite at any given moment if I have the wrong “app” on...and God forbid I miss a new Facebook feature...I am told that all my personal laundry will be hangin’ out in a matter of seconds to the whole world!

Well, here is some news for you guys:

#1. I ALWAYS wear shorts under my dresses and skirts...ALWAYS.

#2. I am as pale in person as online and that is by choice!

#3.Really people, not everything has to get posted for the world to see...can we just have a fun moment without “Big Brother”?

#4. Okay, well if I look really “hot” in a place that is cool, and people might like me more because of that...then go ahead and post it...(yeah, shallow I know BUT ONLY IF I DON’T LOOK FAT!!!!)

#5. Haaaa...Haaaa.....Haaaa....let’s all agree to quit taking ourselves so dag nabbit seriously and just enjoy each beautiful sun that rises, and try and add one act of kindness

to the world within a 24 hour period!

#6. Confused yet....MMMMEEEE TOOOO????

#7. I think I’ll stick with #5 and just call it a day...or a year...or whatever!

NOTE: This post is not a reflection of any type of reflective anything and therefore no longer subject to the general or specific rules of reflectivity as noted or therefore projected by law or any other type of celestial rule or being as of date or any date to come.

OFF the couch!

2010-11-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

Here I sit on the couch trying to get myself in gear. Green tea- check, computer- check, ideas-check, dog in my lap with his butt on my computer- NOOOOO!

Talk about persistence, Conway Cole is one to never give up easily. Something that is so frustrating, but something I have always found inspiring too. You can tell this little fuzzy bugger "no" 10 times, and he will still jump up on the couch and try to claim your lap...where the lap top is supposed to be.

Not to long ago someone mentioned to me that I should blog about the journey Stuart and I are taking to be independent musicians and our journey as a couple more directly. I've tried to stay away from too much of the nitty gritty...but sure, I'm willing to give anything a try...here goes...

So, OFF the couch has more meanings today than just a command for my dog Conway Cole. I've been fighting the couch potato blues for a while now. So much to do, so little time, only so much energy...and balance? well I gave up on that a long time ago. In the past year Stuart has quit his job teaching full time, and we are putting our energies into our music. This was a long time goal of ours, but the transition isn't one we've made without a few bumps in the road, and then there are those 3 am wrestling matches with worry...so much fun! There are so many bases to cover, and it takes time to get the ball rolling when you make such a big change. That's what my head tells me, but my heart and soul want all the ducks to be in a row NOW!!!!

At a show recently someone asked if music is all we do. I felt a bit of pride as I shared "yes", and realized music is all I've done for my whole adult life. Sometimes teaching it, sometimes recording it, sometimes writing it and always singing it (even if at times it was just to my dog or best friends late at night). Stuart has been the jack of many trades, always playing music along side other projects, and it is an exciting chapter for him to be in music so deep these days...but in the same breath I have to admit it is a challenge. Almost anything worth it in this world doesn't come easy, and this is no different. It is a blast to perform, a gift to share our hearts through song, and a joy to feel the audience connect...and we are working hard to put all those pieces together on and off stage.

The new album is almost ready, the gigs are starting to come fast and furiously, the audiences have been receptive and enthusiastic for the new stuff, and the new material is sinking in. Still, sometimes I feel like I am that little duck at the end of the line. I am paddling so hard underwater, while doing my best to look like I'm not breaking a sweat on the surface. But here you go friend, I'm sweating it a lot. I feel like I push it as hard as I can...and then hit a wall hard and here I sit on the couch trying to regain my energy and focus for the next push.

OFF the couch...keep the faith, keep paddling, sweat it, paddle harder, take a rest, and then paddle some more...OFF the couch...make the phone calls, create the artwork, order the t-shirts, play the show....OFF the couch...go to Nashville, have the meetings, take the notes, write the song, learn the song....OFF the couch!

So here I am, on the couch...getting ready for the next push. Conway Cole is defiantly nestled in (I'm gonna tell him the 10th time in a second), and I am sharing what our journey is really like. Right now, I'm getting OFF the couch for the next push...I promise to write about exactly what that is...once I figure it out!

FOR RICHER OR POORER

2010-09-22T18:09:00.000-07:00

FOR RICHER OR POORER

The latest reports on the news say the recession is over, but I'll bet we all know more people now out of work than we did 2 years ago when this madness started.

We've had a close to a month home and have been catching up on all those things we left untouched while on the road. A month to catch our breath has given us time to think through where we stand as musicians, partners, spirits as well as members of our beloved Texas family.

On the road we talked to so many people in transition, whether it be from a job loss or a change in geography; I can't help but think we are in the middle of major cultural shift.

With the new album coming out as an independent release we are buckling down to make sure we can do it right. We are eating rice and beans, riding our bikes around town whenever possible rather than in the car, and focusing more and more on time doing things instead of time spending things.

As I look around at the world that surrounds me I look at my generation that are now in their early and mid thirties I realize that while we are breaking the "standard of living" on the low side of the income bracket, we are coming out on the high side as far as quality of life goes if you ask me.

As we gear up for a new set of Texas shows, I feel an excited tingle in my stomach for what lies ahead. There are so many friends in music we haven't seen since we've been gone, and so many new friends to make. We all know that money can only buy you so many friends, and they are usually bought on credit...and as we are realizing here in the US that credit can only get you so far.

So rice and beans it is, biking in the beautiful fall breezes of Austin, and many wonderful memories are waiting for us to make with friends and family in the months ahead.

Oh yeah, and that new album to release in January.

Life is good.

FOR RICHER OR POORER?

I think in life and love we're on the rich end, even if the Flying A Productions bank account doesn't make the "Fortune 500" list.

Top Ten List after 3 months on the road!

2010-08-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

We are spending our last week on the road in Nashville making phone calls, meeting with people, making phone calls, meeting with more people, smiling, thanking, and making new friends!

My smile muscles are fatigued, my taco bell belly is full, and while it has been a full out blast across this beautiful country...that Texas Border is calling our names. Here are the top ten highlights of our tour:

10. Discovering McDonald's serves pretty darn good coffee on a musician's budget.

9. Realizing that the sun comes up at 4 a.m. in Minnesota this time of the year, and

being thankful there is plenty of time left to snooooooze till coffee time.

8. The look on John Jennings face when we surprised in Minneapolis at his show with Mary Chapin

Carpenter.

6. Meeting "Humpy" the security guard at the MCC Concert and almost getting tackled b/c he didn't see

John wave me over! (yep, that's his real name!)

5. Laughing at the phrase "...I need something healthy, let's go to Taco Bell."

4. Meeting Keith Urban and having him introduce himself to me as "Keith"...crazy.

3. Laughing for 20 minutes strait after hearing myself say the phrase "...I need something healthy, let's go to Taco Bell."

2. Hearing my husband say..."It's ten more pounds to love."

1. Having new and old friends come out to see us, and even some that loved us enough to let us stay

extra 2-4 days because you landed a last minute gig/radio show/meeting when we least expected it!

(You know who you are...and we LOVE YOU!!!)

JUMPING OFF THE HIGH DIVE OF LIFE!!!

2010-01-07T06:21:00.000-08:00

JUMPING OFF THE HIGH DIVE OF LIFE!

2010 we will be looking for adventure

in uncharted waters!!!

2010 our motto is stepping outside the comfort zone by

"taking that leap off the high dive of life with both arms ready to swim!!!"

Creatively we need a push, and stepping outside the Austin City Limits is our focus this year.

Stuart spent 7 years writing in Nashville, and he had no problem stepping back into the rhythm of things there last month as we started work on the new album in Music City. This was my first real project to do in Nashville, and I worked hard not to give into my nerves! The unknown is so scary, but exhilarating once you jump off edge and feel the excitement of taking it to the next level. Work will continue over the next 2 months on the music end of the album...we hope to have it in our hands by May to start radio promotions and get ready for a Sept. official release!

2010 TOURS will reflect our focus!

We will do our usual Rocky Mountain tour, and will be heading back to the Midwest. This year we will be adding Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin to the the Midwest Tour. We also plan to do our Southern Fried Pickin' Tour with an East Coast element added onto the end! We will structure this tour well with radio promotions for the new album.

We also will be attending several conferences within the Folk/Songwriting and Americana vain. So far we have the International Folk Alliance Conference on the schedule, and hope to add the Americana Music Festival in Sept. on the schedule. We realize we may be small fish in a big sea, but it's time to get our name out there and focus on broadening exposure!

GRAMMY ASSOCIATION is also something we plan on getting more involved in this year. Christine Albert and Chris Gage are two people who have mentored us since day one, and they were kind enough to encourage us to join as voting members 2 years ago; it has been a great opportunity. There are so many social events as well as panels and speakers that have been a great resource. We hope to get more involved and make a point to go to more of the events! Starting with the Grammy Watching party in Houston this year.

I can't wait to see if the people I voted for win their categories!

Wouldn't it be cool to get to vote for ourselves???

Hey why not...you gotta dream it before you can see it!

So that our is focus for the days ahead. Some of you may think we've gone off the deep end...and that's okay. Life is about taking chances, and you have to be willing to take risks if you wanna stretch yourself. So are you ready to jump off the high dive with us?

Stepping outside the comfort zone is something that isn't easy, but can have great rewards!!!

One thing you guys should know about us by now, we're not afraid to fall, cause sometimes that is the best way to learn to fly!

Love,

Hilary

From The Flyin' A's

www.TheFlyinAs.com

DAY 2-

2009-12-21T08:05:00.001-08:00

Day 2 in Nashville

All here has been great. We have LOVED our time here, and can't believe we still have 2 days of recording left. Quad Studios is top notch, and the players have been great.

It's been a smooth start to our sophomore album and all of our hard work is paying off in the studio. We had a surprise appearance by Delbert McClinton, and he came in and played harmonica on the Joe Tex "I Want To" tune.

I got footage of Delbert laying down his track, and then accidentally erased it, but oh well. What is a girl to do? I am sure it nothing to do with the fact that I was sooooo excited to be in the same studio with him, let alone having it be our project he was so willing to come play on!

Today we head back into the studio to cut 4 more songs. We are looking at a total of 13 tunes for the new album. More to come about the song list for the album. We are waiting to make sure all goes as planned!

John Jennings had some challenges getting to Nashville from VA due to an a giant blizzard, but was in great form yesterday despite a drive that was 12 hours longer than it should have been.

He is a master in the studio. He is focused, pointed with his direction and gentle all at the same time. He is focused on getting the best sound for the project, and is so smooth at getting the best sound out of us. One small comment and a track sounds 10 times better than the first take. I have been taking mental notes the whole time, and am loving learning so much. There is a reason he has the reputation he does, and his kind heart and eagle ears are rocking awesome. It's like warm butter on perfectly toasted sour doe bread, a real tasty treat.

Check out footage from DAY 2 at www.youtube.com/theflyinas .

I will post more tomorrow!

Till then...honky tonk it till the cows come home!

2009-12-19T11:45:00.000-08:00

DAY 1- Recording in Nashville. Check out the video to get the inside scoop! I'll type more tomorrow...some funny developments! We are having a blast as promised!!!

The Jersey Shore's like free air conditioning!

2009-08-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

We had a great time out in New Jersey.

There were flowers of every color blooming in the highway median, and the beaches were flawless. It was beautiful, everyone was so nice, and the weather was amazing!

I have come to decide that New Jersey has been taking notes from Icelandians these past years, and that they knew what they were doing the whole time as outsiders have allowed their beautiful state to get a bad wrap. It's a great way to keep their beauty from being trampled I'll bet you!

We did just one private show out there, and it was a blast. The other 4 days were spent at the beach, building sand sculptures, body surfing and doing our best to stay pale!

I still think I am holding the title of palest of Puerto Escondido, but New Jersey had a good representation of us less pigmented...darn.

What were those pills Michael Jackson took? Nah, that's too much work even for me to win the palest award. I'll take my chances with the 70 spf!

So many guitars, so little time!

2009-06-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

So many guitars, so little time

We are back home in Austin, and this is a picture of a sculpture Stuart ran across in DC a few months ago. Man, look at all those lonely guitars???

So many guitars, so little time- As many of you know I have electrical tape covering the brand of my guitar. It's not only for asthetic reasons...the company that made Bessie doesn't stand up to the test when it comes to backing their instruments and workmanship. So rather than bad mouth them and spread bad carma...i just refuse to advertise for them.

Bessie my guitar is doing well after some hard work from my "guitar Jesus" Ed Reynolds, who resurrected her after being mutilated by the "company" while working hard NOT to uphold her lifetime warranty on the workmanship of her sleek lines.

After a lot of frustration at first, some heart broken tears after seeing the horrible work done, and then sighs of relief and joy after seeing Ed save her...the final decision has been made.

We are designing a new headstock for her.;after a long lamented process, I've decided to keep her, and not trade her in for a new one.

After all, we've traveled thousands of miles together, written some great music together, and sang our hearts out together for 5 great years!!!

We will make the decision to keep Bessie official when the new head stock is designed and applied. Then no more electrical tape (my first choice was duct tape, but Stuart convinced me that was just plain mean to Bessie, she can't help who her parents are).

So, in an effort to save one more tree, and hold on the the instrument I love, Bessie will have a new look in the next few months!

So many guitars, so little time...but when you have one that plays as sweet as Bessie, why trade her in when you can just pretty her up a bit???

Consider it a name change if you will!!!

2009-06-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

A Mountain of Snow and Ice Cream

Here we are, finally staying at the Wind River Lodge after 4 nights of camping in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Our 4 nights were wonderful by the camp fire, dodging elk, black bears and ground squerrels. We have been hiking, working on music, and getting back to the basics of life;but oh, the magic of a warm shower and soft bed...they are a welcome change of pace for sure.
This is our second year playing for Summerfest, and the staff and administration here at the YMCA of the rockies are tremendous hosts.

After a good 13 mile hike, what is better than a mountain of ice cream!
This year there has been an amazing amount of snow on the higher elevations here, and Stuart and I battled to get to the Loche (a natural lake on top of a huge mountain) and won, but that fight was not without a slip and slide or two in the snow. Being youth of the Texas heat, it's a wonder we made it as far as we did.

Tonight we play a quick set as guests at Reusch Auditorium here and then do our full out show tomorrow night in Hemple Auditorium. It is going to be hard to pull me away from these mountains, and the ice cream!

YMCA soft serve is the BEST!!!!!

2009-06-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken from the world's LONGEST tram in Albuquerque, NM.
It takes 15 minutes to climb several thousand feet. Stuart faced his fear of heights well I must say!

ROCKY MOUNTAIN TOUR 2009
Albuquerque rocks the house, and we find our MOUNTAIN HIGH!!!!

What an amazing first stop on our 4th annual Rocky Mountain Tour. We had a FULL OUT BLAST at Solid Grounds Coffeehouse. It was a full house, and we laughed together, cheered together, and there are some GREAT dancers in New Mexico. Thank you to all our old friends and new friends for coming out to make it a high energy show! A special thank you goes out to Rosalie who did a great job hosting and running the sound board!

Yesterday we woke up at 3 a.m. and headed to Estes Park, CO. This morning we are surrounded by mountains and about to hike up into the snow. This tour is as much for the spirit and inspiration as the performance. We are writing daily, revisiting some unfinished songs, and writing new ones as well.

We are performing at the Hemple Auditorium on Friday here in Estes, and I can't wait! Back in college I worked out here and it was a much needed brake from the pressures of Music School. I would sneak into Hemple Auditorium at night and play the beautiful grand piano and write and sing my heart out at a time when writing music wasn't apart of my school year's "curriculum". It is a surreal feeling to come back to a place where I first started finding my voice and perform some of the very songs I started on those late evenings alone in the dark on that stage.

The YMCA or the Rockies is a place I feel closest to my muse and most centered. Being surrounded by the beautiful wild life, the crisp mountain air and the majestic peaks just invigorates me. I truly feel like my God can speak to me here! While I don't consider myself a "religious person" I do feel a spirit out here that does have the power to guide us to our best selves. This is a place that I come that I just can't help but be compelled to try and listen.

We have found our ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH!

PUERTO ESCONDIDO Day 1!

2009-02-16T07:59:00.000-08:00

This picture does NOT JUSTICE to the beauty we are surrounded by! We flew in yesterday and the flights were all smooth and trouble free. Something I was glad for after our crazy flight from Phoenix. A little liquid courage and a tight grip on Stuart got me through the flights easily.

Last night we went out with our new friends Bill and Mel, and got to sit in with Claudio and David at a local night spot. It was a night of crazy fun under the palm trees.

We have shows on Wed and Sat here. We are getting a chance to relax and making some great new friends. This place is definitely beautiful and full of some of the nicest people on the planet. There is also a special drink here that is a derivative of tequila...that tastes like butta!

We have paced our well so far...but I can tell, we are in for a FUN WEEK! I forget the name of the beverage, but I'll make sure and write it up tomorrow...you gotta try this stuff.

Gruene Hall ROCKED!

2009-01-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

Man our last two shows at Gruene Hall has rocked. From all of our friends through music coming out to hang with us, to all the new friends we have made there.

The beer is always cold there and the shows are always high energy blasts.

This is the place Stuart and I both grow up enjoying some of our favorite artists from the audience, and it is a thrill to join their ranks.

2008-12-17T05:52:00.000-08:00

We all have a chance to be Santa's Elves

This week Stuart and I had a chance to help lead Christmas Carols at a local orphanage. It was a beautiful party complete with Santa and presents for every boy and girl.

It was so wonderful to share the excitement of the holiday season with these beautiful young people! It served as a meaningful reminder that we all are connected and can make a difference in each others lives. As we become "grown ups" we lose the mystery of Santa, one thing that is so neat is gaining the chance to work in St. Nick's spirit as a mere mortal elf of sorts.

A lot of us are blessed to have those we are related to by blood, which is not without it's own importance, but we are also all related by love. This holiday season our family has two empty places at the table. One for my spirited Grandma Niecy, and one for Stuart's mom Bunny Adamson.

While their places are empty at the table, their places are full in our hearts.

This holiday season Stuart and find ourselves pausing a lot to speak to those spirits we have lost and sharing the simple moments with them. What a gift to make new young friends at a time when our hearts are aching for those we have lost.

I am sure Grandma Niecy has found the Martini Bar up there in heaven, and is getting the perfect amount of "dirty"! Bunny is surely making a quilt of love up above and sending down her hugs and kisses too.

I guess for now, our focus is to find those places we can spend that love that was so freely given to us by those we miss so much.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and don't be afraid to spread the love!

2008-12-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

FAR West Folk Alliance 2008

We had a wonderful time out in Phoenix at the FAR West Folk Alliance!

This is a great event where performing acts and venues get together to exchange information and share a love of songwriting and performance. It is a chance to connect with like minded people, and to get a helping hand in moving your career forward.

Thank you to everyone who came out to see all of our showcases. We can't wait to come out your way on tour this next June. We had a great time at our Official Showcase and the Guerrilla Showcases were a blast as well. It was a high energy weekend full of great music and new friends. We loved our time at Slugger's with Dalis and Paul. Can't beat their happy hour!

It was exciting to meet and see so many wonderful people and music.

South West Folk Alliance, here we come!!!!

2008-09-11T16:06:00.001-07:00

South West Regional Folk Alliance 2008

WE HAVE OFFICIAL SHOWCASE!!!!

We couldn't be MORE THRILLED! Stuart and I got our start touring the state of Texas through several of the friends we met through South West Regional Folk Alliance just a few short years ago. These past two years, we had gotten so busy that we have only been able to pop in and out. This year, with our focus on writing and reconnecting with our roots, we had set aside time to attend one of our favorite conferences...and we are thrilled to be among those selected for the Official Showcase line up.

We have grown soooo much since those first days finding our sound and learning the ropes of this madness they call "the music business"...but it is "our madness" now for sure.

I'm mad about the music business (in a good way)!

Where else can you sit under an oak tree,

sip on a cool beverage and sing your heart out to old friends while making a whole slew of new friends?

Man I love our job!!!

Thank you to all of our friends along the way who have supported us, held us up when we were down, and gave us strength to push forward when we needed it most.