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We started the year out right ~ the show on February 8, 2014 is already SOLD OUT!  Thank you L.A.!  I will post some additional shows soon to accommodate those who were not able to get tickets.

I wrote my way through last year’s drama and I have 2 new body parts (they seem more like accessories) and 7 new tunes completed for a new record.  Once I finish cleaning up my cat’s hair balls (already got the little humans to sleep), I will go try to write the rest.  But I wanted to stop by my cyber corner first and wish you all a “Happy New Year” before the words become obsolete.

2014 is my Year of Authenticity, and although I may not be able to always write songs that make you feel good, I hope to write songs that make you feel.  This last sentence may be the result of watching all the SAG screeners for this year’s awards – what a depressing lot, but so inspiring and artful!  After a particularly tragic film, my Mom made a comment about how she goes to the movies to be uplifted and feel “good.”  She deserves that and I get it, but  I responded that artists/writers have to write their truth, that we have stories that need to be told, and those stories are not always funny or joyful.  I started worrying about the last batch of tunes I’ve written.  It’s not that they are gonna make you wanna slit your wrists, it’s just that they come from a darker place.   I had to face that darkness in 2013 in a different way than I had before.  It could taste it, touch it, smell it.  I experienced both pain and joy on a deeper level – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  Sometimes I felt like I was on this pendulum between life and death, and not always in control of which way I could fall – but I had a good vantage point, and was able to see the depth, beauty and complexities of both.  As I read through my lyrics, I realize I am many times writing about death and re-birth.  The journey of healing is ongoing, I am still processing, and lucky for me, I have an outlet for that process.  Spoiler alert: I DO end in positive affirmation!

The songs are pouring out of me with little effort.  The effort is finding the time and funds to get them recorded, mixed and mastered, create the artwork and manufacture the cd’s.   This is where I turn to my fans, who have always been a partner in my independent record label, JamCat Records.  If you are so inclined, I have posted ways that you can become involved in my next recording project either by pre-ordering or becoming an Angel.  I’ve got some new perks to add this time around and I’m also open to hearing from you regarding ways you would like to participate.  Music is collaborative – the creator and the listener are equally important, as the magic happens when my songs becomes yours.

Love,
pnut

Angel***CALLING ALL ANGELS***

PRE-ORDER the CD for
$10, includes a digital copy of the new record emailed to you as soon as it’s released.

$20, includes an autographed physical copy from the first printing, sticker and a picture postcard.

$50, includes an autographed copy, sticker, postcard and a flash drive with a digital copy of the record as well as extra photos, video and bonus alternate versions of some tunes.

$100 – You’re an ANGEL – you will be listed as such with a special thank you in the liner notes of the CD,  receive FIVE autographed CD’s, sticker, postcard, flash drive with bonus materials, and one ticket to the CD release party.

$250 – You’re an ANGEL, will be listed with a special thank you in the liner notes, receive TEN autographed cd’s, sticker, postcard, flash drive with bonus materials, TWO tickets to the CD release party AND you get the limited edition swag bag with new record related T-shirt & my super duper delicious home made chocolate chip cookies.

$500 – You’re an ANGEL, will be listed with a special thank you in the liner notes, receive TEN autographed cd’s, sticker, postcard, flash drive with bonus materials, TWO tickets to the CD release party AND you get the limited edition swag bag with new record related T-shirt & my super duper delicious home made chocolate chip cookies, AND we will set up a mutually convenient FaceTime/Skype chat or phone call where I will personally serenade you with some new tunes, or your favorite oldies.

$750 – You’re an ANGEL, will be listed with a special thank you in the liner notes, receive TEN autographed cd’s, sticker, postcard, flash drive with bonus materials, TWO tickets to the CD release party AND you get the limited edition swag bag with new record related T-shirt & my super duper delicious home made chocolate chip cookies, we will set up a mutually convenient FaceTime/Skype chat or phone call where I will personally serenade you with some new tunes, or your favorite oldies, AND you are invited to visit me in the studio and watch the process at a mutually convenient time.  If you don’t want the serenade via skype, I’ll do it in person when you visit the studio.

$1000 – You’re an ANGEL, will be listed with a special thank you in the liner notes, receive TEN autographed cd’s, sticker, postcard, flash drive with bonus materials, TWO tickets to the CD release party AND you get the limited edition swag bag with new record related T-shirt & my super duper delicious home made chocolate chip cookies, we will set up a mutually convenient FaceTime/Skype chat or phone call where I will personally serenade you with some new tunes, or your favorite oldies, AND you are invited to visit me in the studio and watch the process at a mutually convenient time. (If you don’t want the serenade via skype, I’ll do it in person when you visit the studio.) AND for being so amazingly generous,you will BE ON THE RECORD.  Don’t worry if you can’t sing or play an instrument, I will find something so that you can leave your indelible mark on the project.

**Add-on**

For an extra $150 I will take a request to do an acoustic cover of your favorite tune, make a simple home made video and send it to you with a dedication.

** Do you have another package or add-on in mind? Try me! **
Note: The reason I am not using a platform like Kickstarter (and never have) is because they take a nice chunk of change out of the pot!

HOW TO PURCHASE ANY OF THE ABOVE PACKAGES:

You can PayPal your contribution to pnutsings@aol.com, or preferably mail a check or money order to the address listed below. You can also pay with a credit card at one of my shows. Kindly add $10 to any orders being mailed outside of the USA.

Cindy Alexander c/o JamCat Records
2658 Griffith Park Boulevard
#829
Los Angeles, CA 90039-2520

With any and all of your contributions, you have my heart felt, never ending gratitude. I am able to continue to share my music because of YOU.

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Me and Chip on the way to the show at the Canyon Club with Rick Springfield
Me and Chip on the way to the show at the Canyon Club with Rick Springfield

As we approach the holiday season, I shall pass on the turkey breast.  I’ll take sweet potatoes with a side of painkillers, thank you.  Why, because my anticipated meet and greet with the Booby Fairy was postponed to November 20th due to an unanticipated run in with a preschool Germipalooza.  No one should go under the knife with a cold/flu  if they have a choice!  So everyone, please don’t breathe on me, my husband or my kids – I’m hibernating until November 20th 😉  I truly look forward to ending this chapter of my life and turning the page to Good Health, Lots of Love and New Music.   With cancer came a Blessing.  Yes, a Blessing.  I am more appreciative of each breath I take, each hand I hold and each heart that holds me.  So many of you have helped me through a really tough year, and the outpouring of kindness, support and prayers from old friends, new friends, and complete strangers both amazes and humbles me.

One thing that truly helped me heal, both physically and emotionally, was having a special show on the calendar.   Eight weeks after the double mastectomy I got up on stage and opened for Rick Springfield.   Extra special care by Dr. Orringer during the expansion process, hard work with physical therapist Nicolette (Nicky) Theard and sheer determination from all three of us made this happen.  Special thanks to Geoff Pearlman, Paul Trudeau, Harvey Lane & Tina Trevino for rockin’ it with me.  And a shout out to Rick’s drummer of 13 years: Rodger Carter, for thinking of me for the gig.  It was an honor to share the stage with my friends and an ultimate rock star.  Rick really knows how to put on a show. Of course I was in seventh heaven watching Dave Grohl jam with him.  See below for my up close and personal encounters.

Me & Rick Springfield. I always wanted to be Jesse's Girl!
Me & Rick Springfield. I always wanted to be Jesse’s Girl!

I’m writing new music.  It comes from yet another place I didn’t know existed until I got there.  Hope to share the new setS with you starting in February 2014.  I have another 8 week prohibition period after surgery from Dr. O.  Since implants are now microchipped (bet ya didn’t know that), he will know if I disobey a doctor’s orders!

Me: Hi I'm Cindy Alexander, the opening act for Rick. Him: Hi I'm Dave Grohl. Me: Um. Uh I love you. I mean I love your work and I really admire you as a person. Him: Why? I'm an asshole.
Me: Hi I’m Cindy Alexander, the opening act for Rick.
Him: Hi I’m Dave Grohl.
Me: Um. Uh I love you. I mean I love your work and I really admire you as a person.
Him: Why? I’m an asshole.

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So what does a high maintenance gal (I’m allowing myself to be like this specifically for this adventure, because there have to be SOME perks to fighting cancer) do before the Big Boob Off?  I got a gel manicure/ pedicure and had my ultra hip hair stylist give me “show hair” to add some flair to my surgery.

Amanda Lee Capomaccio giving me “show hair” for my performance on the operating table.

And then I remembered that sexy blue cap I would have to wear…  So we decided to get creative and make sure we had something especially stylish for the big reveal when the cap came off in the recovery room. Lots of braids mixed in with the bed head waves.

On July 26th I showed up at Cedars with a posse. Family and friends took over the waiting area with Starbucks and muffins (none of which I was allowed) and Chip gave me the best back rub of our entire marriage.  When the surgeons ran late and I was stuck in the pre-op area connected to an IV and heart monitor, Chip then gave me the best foot rub of our entire marriage.  It’s interesting how life and death situations can bring out different and unexpected sides of people. I don’t think I’ve ever loved my husband more – and it’s not because of the back/foot rubs (but those helped).

The things we do for love…

My bilateral double mastectomy with tissue expanders (another perk – I’ve decided to upgrade and never have to worry about those “chicken cutlets,” specifically the one that fell out of my bra at the Mint in 1999) took about 9 hours.  My oncological breast surgeon, Dr. Lesley Taylor (who was 7 months pregnant) and my plastic surgeon, Dr. Jay Orringer are my heroes.  Not only did they save my life, they have also given me the emotional support and empowered me with knowledge to get through this challenging time.  They’ve inspired me with their passion and dedication to their profession/craft.  They are artists in their own way.  I also need to give props to the nurses on 8th Floor South East – they rock.

I’m not really sure of all the details post surgery and through the weekend because there was little drug button that I could push whenever I wanted to…and I pushed it a lot.  But I do remember that by the evening of July 26th, I was propped up in my hospital bed with two little monkeys, gifts from my Mommy.  She named them Booby A and Booby B.  I immediately renamed them Little F*cker 1 and Little F*cker 2.

Little F’er 1 and Little F’er 2 OUT, Chai Tea Latte IN

Something about breast cancer has affected my language and speech patterns.  It’s kind of like Tourette’s Syndrome, but not really. I swear a lot.  I’m going to try to get this under control before I get on stage again, I promise.

On July 31, I got the best news possible:  The cancer was completely removed by the surgery, there was no evidence of any significant invasion, and my lymph nodes were clear. I will not need chemotherapy or radiation.  Yes, I’m one of the lucky ones.  There is no limit to my gratitude, and I believe that the power of prayer and healing, positive thoughts from so many people contributed to this successful outcome.   I am truly blessed.

Interesting timing…look what finally came to life one year after we shot it: The Dr.’s agree, I’m “Wonderful” 😉  (Click to watch the video)

Thank you Kim for this key…I do Believe