07/08/08
Happy summer!  Got a few things coming up this month that I want to pass along to you . . . First, if you’re in the Berks/Comcast area, you can catch me this coming Thursday, July 10th, on “Downtown Live” on Comcast Channel 99 at 6:30 p.m.  Then on Sunday, July 13th, you’ll find me at one of my favorite venues, the Goggleworks, in Reading, from 12 to 3 p.m.  It’s a Goggleworks Second Sunday, and that means lots going on there . . . and it’s free!  Next up, I’ll be in downtown Reading in the 6th & Penn Courtyard (or at the Outside Inn if it rains) from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. for “Tunes ‘n Take Out.”  So grab some lunch and come on down.  Of course, I can’t forget to mention good ol’ Border’s in Wyomissing.  You can catch me there Saturday, July 26th, from 7 to 9 p.m. And a bit of good news . . . a little while back I wrote to you about the Hard Bean Hamburg closing.  Well, owner Dawn has decided to try and keep things going with limited hours of operation.  You can stop in on weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  No music or special events for now . . . but hopefully things will pick up, and Dawn will be back, full steam ahead, in no time.  If you’re in Hamburg, be sure to stop by and grab a cup o’ java or a smoothie! Some awesome news from the Acoustic Roadshow family . . . Priscilla Ahn, who showcased with the Roadshow way back when I was just getting my feet wet with the group, recently made her national debut on the Jay Leno Show.  She’s a Bernville, PA, native who made the trek to LA after graduating from high school to follow her singer/songwriter dream.  Check her out at www.priscillaahn.com . . . and buy her CD, “A Good Day.”  Way to go, Priscilla!  We’re rooting for you! In case you’re wondering about “the kids” . . . all are doing fine.  Diesel is lovin’ life on the farm, swimmin’ in the pond and tormenting Matt’s mom.  Calfy, although no longer a calf, is still my little buddy and follows me like a dog.  Monkey . . . well . . . Monkey is a devil cat, but I love her anyway.  And my Schatzi . . . my love . . . she’s two now and is off to “summer camp” for a month for some training.  I thought I’d ease Momma’s mind, save my bones, and let a professional break her for riding. So, that’s all I got for now.  If you haven’t done so yet, come and be my friend on myspace . . . www.myspace.com/haleysheeler. That's all I got for now. Until next time . . . peace.  

0 6/01/08
Almost Summer . . . woo hoo!  That means the Roadshow will start to really kick in gear with all of the local fairs and festivals.  So check out my schedule every once in a while to see where I’ll be playing . . . www.haleysheeler.com/gigs.htm. So, what else is new?  Well, finally, “my boys” have finished up their CD, and it’s available for purchase.  Yep, “Share the Bread” has released “Caterpillar” . . . and it’s awesome.  Some of you might have seen Kellen, Jordan and Andrew at a few of my shows.  Actually, you’ve heard them on my CDs, too.  Kellen and his violin/fiddle are on “Closer to the Ground.”  He also helped out on a number of tunes on “Walkin’ West.”  Jordan, Kellen, and Andrew also joined me for “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” on “Walkin’ West.”  Anyway, if you’d like to purchase “Caterpillar” for a mere $10, you can contact Kellen at blufiddler132@aol.com.  I'm also going to try to get a few to have on hand at my shows.  You can hear some of their tunes at www.myspace.com/sharethebread. So, you know you’ve really made it . . . or not . . . lol . . . when you find your CDs being sold . . . used . . . on Amazon.com.  Yep, that’s right . . . found a poor little ol’ “Closer to the Ground” being sold for the bargain price of  $5.25 (& $2.98 shipping).  Shame on you, kinkyfemme43K, whoever you are!  lol  But, hey, that’s okay . . .  those digital sales still continue to amaze me . . . which, by the way, are also now available through Amazon. Here they are . . . Haley’s top ten in digital sales: 
1.    For What It's Worth
2.    Jolene
3.    What Is It Good For?/War
4.    Waiting on an Angel
5.    Hallelujah
6.    You Can Close Your Eyes
7.    I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
8.    The Ashley Song
9.    Walking After Midnight
10.   Angel 
The big sellers . . . Apple iTunes, iTunes Europe and iTunes Australia . . . woo hoo! One more little plug for a friend . . . Geri, my Pilates instructor, has begun developing her own line of fitness products.  The first, called "The Pilates Partner," is now available.  Check it out at www.thepilatespartner.com (and, hey, it's not just for Pilates, but any workout . . . remember, swimsuit season is just around the corner!). Okay, kids, that’s all I got for now.  See you out and about Berks!

05/01/08
Thought I’d check in. It’s been a while, but, yes, I am still here. April was a really slow “music” month. Sadly, I think that the economy is really putting a crunch on our local music scene. The coffeehouses seem to be cutting back on the entertainment. Evan reports the same thing with the restaurant/bar scene, where his band routinely plays. But, despite a temporary drop in the Haley shows, I’ve been working on some new songs for my set, still selling a bunch of my music through the online digital sites, and, of course, been busy with my day job. There have also been a few fun things happening at the Haley camp . . . a night at the Sovereign Performing Arts Center to see my favorite singer/songwriter, Jackson Browne . . . a visit from my German sister, Ulrike, and her family . . . the long awaited arrival of my "bestest friend," Kim, who has finally moved “home” from Maine (woo hoo!) . . . an Obama rally at Reading High School (yeah, when your Dad's a politician, you get to do these fun things) . . . the start of the arrival of more baby cows at Matt’s farm (the first of which came last week . . . a sister for Calfy . . . I’ve named her Eileen Jr. after Matt’s mom . . . LOL) . . . and, of course, I’m getting ready for the big task of breaking Schatzi, who still believes she is a cow and enjoys escaping from her stall to run through the cow pasture to play with all the youngins born last year. I’d also like to take a moment to mention one of my biggest fans, my Aunt Louise, who, after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer and a multitude of other health problems, died last month. It has been a difficult time for my family, and we certainly miss her. One of her wishes was that I sing at her funeral . . . probably the hardest two songs I have ever had to sing. Made it through “Waiting on an Angel” . . . but I think she’ll forgive me for “Amazing Grace” turning into tears. She's finally home with Georgie. HOO WAH, Aunt D'Weeze! So, kids, time to look ahead . . . I’m back and will be up and running in May, starting with Max Crema’s on Friday, May 9th, from 7 to 9 p.m. Before you know it, all the swell summer festivals will be coming our way . . . and that means you’ll find me out and about with the Acoustic Roadshow as well. Happy first of May! See you at a show!

03/09/08
With Jackson Browne at the Sovereign Performing Arts Center
Didn’t really know much about Jackson Browne until I went to one of his concerts with my parents a few years back…and, as some of you know, that was it…he inspired me to perform and became my all-time favorite singer/songwriter. Even named my first Martin after him (he has three Martins, by the way, in his concert line-up of 15 guitars). So, anyway, Jackson was back in town for a concert last night (following an afternoon visit to the Martin factory in Nazareth…Chris Thomas, why didn’t you call me?!), and, of course, I was there . . . along with my parents, and the Capizzi ‘n Killough families (of “Share the Bread” fame). Believe it or not, I don’t go to many concerts…but Jackson for me is a “must see.” So, why, you ask, would someone who loves music not go to many concerts? Well, if the truth be told, it seems I always end up next to or behind someone who shows a complete lack of consideration for the other “paying customers” around them. You know the type…the kind that doesn’t seem to understand the concept of “personal space” or have the ability to control their enthusiasm or consumption of alcohol. And, yes, unfortunately, last night was no exception. To the “three stooges” in front of us who found it necessary, during the performance, to stand every two minutes, yell, drink, talk and text on their cell phones, switch seats, and, in general, annoy the hell out of everyone around them . . . you were not as hot as you thought you were, Jackson couldn’t hear you yelling, Jackson couldn’t see you standing, Jackson could probably care less about you . . . and, apparently, you don’t really care much about Jackson’s music, or you would have sat and listened . . . and, by the way, the lady behind me had every right to toss her soda bottle at you. LOL (Yes, that did happen, and it was funny.) Do I sound annoyed? Yes, I really, really was, but I’m done venting. Jackson, despite the distractions in front of me, you're still inspiring. For a few pics from the show, click here.

03/03/08
Yeah, it’s been a while . . . spent the last couple of months getting used to the new “day” job, but now it’s time to get back into the swing of things.  I’ve got a bunch of shows coming up in March.  One I’m especially excited about is at the Steel City Coffeehouse in Phoenixville.  This is a really different coffeehouse where the entertainment is priority.  Check it out at www.steelcitycoffeehouse.com.  Now, here’s the deal . . . all the “newcomers” (that’s me) have to prove themselves by performing at one of the “Steel City Sessions” held on Wednesday nights.  So, mark your calendar . . . I’ll be there on Wednesday, March 12th.  The session is from 8 to 10 p.m., and I’ll be sharing the stage that night with Luego (www.myspace.com/luego), a band from North Carolina.  Part of “proving” myself will be to have as many fans there as possible . . . so, please, come on out . . . I know it’s a weeknight, but, hey, it’s free! For those of you into all the digital music stuff (which, I gotta tell ya, seems to be the future . . . no more CDs) . . . well, you can now also download Haley music on Amazon.com and Walmart.com.  Crazy.  As for what Haley song is in the digital lead . . . top download is still "For What It's Worth," followed by "What Is It Good For/War," then "Jolene" and "Waiting on an Angel." Some of you might remember a little while back I recorded a demo for songwriter, Kit Hain.  Well, she recently sent me the final product and asked me if she could put it on her myspace . . . when she does, I’ll let you know so you can give it a listen. As for the “kids” . . . Schatzi, Monkey, Calfy and Diesel are a silly bunch, but aren’t we all!

01/01/08
Happy New Year! Guess it’s that time of year to do some of that “reflecting” stuff . . . although all during 2007 I felt like I was in a kind of musical slow-motion “recovery” mode from 2006 and the long production of “Walkin’ West,” looking back, I guess it still was a really busy year.   In 2007, I had 61 shows in all . . . yeah, Momma was feelin’ it with all her crazy picture taking . . . but she never stops.  The year also marked my fifth with the Acoustic Roadshow . . . Butch, thanks for keeping me showcasing all over the county (and it’s always nice when I don’t have to lug my own equipment!). It was also the start of my digital online sales adventure . . . Haley Sheeler goes global . . . fun stuff!  The regular old CD sales have not been a disappointment, either . . . and, hey, thanks to all of you who took advantage of my website December “stocking stuffer special!” Of course, in 2007 I continued to make the local coffeehouse circuit . . . but in December I learned that one of my favorites, City Espresso, was closing.  If any of you have ever gone to a show at the City Espresso or have been to one of my CD release parties there, you know what a cool place this was . . . and with awesome acoustics to boot.  Owners, Heather and Ed, are avid supporters of local music and art scene.  They hosted countless musicians over the years, and always featured local artists’ work on the walls.  (Fortunately, however, for those of you like my Dad who love City Espresso coffee, the City Espresso "satellite" at the Sovereign Building at 5th and Penn will remain open.)  Heather and Ed, thank you for everything . . . I will miss the City Espresso (and your crazy antics, Heather!). So, aside from the music, I had a wild year learning the family business, working on Dad’s campaign, and adding a few animal “kids” to the family.  Whew!  But it’s all good.  I don’t have the urge yet to hop back into the recording studio, and the creative writing juices haven’t been flowing for a while with the Haley ‘n Her Momma song writing team . . . but it will come . . . stay tuned. In the meantime, stop by a show . . . the first of 2008 is on January 11th at Max Crema's from 7 to 9 p.m.  Then, if you're really in a musical mood that evening, you can stop by the Speckled Hen where Ev and his band, Niha Haven, will be playing starting around 10. Thank you, family, friends and fans for your continuing support over the past year.  You are what keep me going. Peace to you all in 2008.
12/01/07
December 1st, and I got one thing to say . . .  BRRRRR!!  No, wait, I got one more thing to say . . . WE GOT A PUPPY!!  Yes, Matt and I decided on an early Christmas gift.  His name is Diesel, 11 weeks old, and he is awesome.  He’s living at Matt's farm . . . but Matt’s Mom says we’re soon gonna have to build an ark.  My Momma says that animal “grandchildren” are just fine for now.  For more pictures, click here.  Anyway, got a light schedule coming up in December . . . only a few shows at the end of the month.  Once again I’ll be singing at the Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill on December 30th.  I really loved doing this show last year, and I’m thrilled that the Berks Parks and Recreation Department invited me back this year.  If you’ve never been to Holiday Lights, it’s pretty cool . . . and they’ve got a nice warm barn with great acoustics where you’ll find musical entertainment every weekend in December.  For a complete list of entertainers, click here.  By the way, Butch will be there on December 13th with a special Teddy Bear Jam for the kids (and adults!). You can also catch me at Crave (a very cozy place to hang out on a winter night) on December 21st and good ol’ Border’s on the 22nd.  Both shows are from 7 to 9 p.m.  Hey, by that time you should have all your holiday shopping finished and you can come on out and relax to some Haley tunes. 

My demo recording with Kit Hain went well.  It was fun to be in the studio again, although her recording style was so much different than what I was used to . . . no tape  . . . all digital.  Pretty impressive.  She is an accomplished songwriter who routinely sends her demos to LA, so she told me there is a possibility that the song (with me singing!) might end up in some television show somewhere, sometime.  Cool!  I’ll keep you posted. 

So, what’s been happening with the digital sales?  I’m still amazed by the whole thing.  What a way to sell music!  Apple iTunes and iTunes-Europe are running neck and neck for the most sales.  Followed by iTunes-UK, Canada, Australia and Japan.  And the top sellers so far . . . “For What It’s Worth” and “What Is It Good For/War” . . . hmmm . . . interesting . . . similar anthems.  

Anyway, if you're still "old fashioned" like me and like to have an actual CD in hand with all its wonderful cardboard and plastic packaging . . . or if you're looking for a great stocking stuffer here's a deal for you.  For the month of December you can get Haley CDs for $10 each through my website . . . free shipping! . . . so you don’t even have to leave your house to shop!  This offer applies only to ordering “CDs by Mail" on my website.  (It does not apply to CDBaby sales from my site or any of the digital stuff.) 

10/24/07
Geez, I didn't realize how long it's been since I last "blahhhed" here. Guess it's because life has been really busy . . . especially with Dad's campaign. Less than two weeks left to go . . . whew! We'll all be glad when it's over. I've also got a full schedule of shows for November and December, and the 2008 schedule filling in, too. Just got a call to do Tunes 'n Takeout again next July . . . yeah, next summer will be here before you know it. The "kids" continue to grow. Monkey was a little "half pounder" when I found her . . . she's now about three pounds and crazy, crazy, crazy . . . loves to bite bare feet. Schatzi . . . what can I say? . . . she's beautiful and filling in nicely. Just bought a saddle on ebay and it arrived in the mail today . . . next spring I'll begin breaking her for riding . . . I can't wait! So, anyway, that's the scoop . . . come on out to a show, support your local coffeehouses, and all that good stuff. Peace.
08/26/07
Keepin' the kitten . . . poor Momma didn't have a chance with that cute little face lookin' up at her (me and the kitten) . . . besides, she should be thrilled . . how many Mee Maws can say they have a grandchild named "Monkey?" . . . LOL
08/23/07
Found the kitten's family hiding in the barn . . . whew! . . . still want to keep the little bugger, but Momma's not goin' for it . . . didn't help that it peed on her when she held it . . . lol . . . I've named it "Monkey" . . . well, hey, if I can't have a real monkey, then why not a kitten named "Monkey?" . . . I wish it was Momma's birthday, then I'd give her the kitten as a present . . . then she couldn't say "no!"
08/22/07
Home . . . tired . . . very tired . . . brain is mush . . . good time, but glad to be home . . . missed Schatzi. Found a tiny black and white kitten hiding in a tire at Matt's . . .we think the rest of it's family has fallen prey to a fox . . . feeding it with an eye dropper . . . Momma says I can't keep it.
08/13/07
Leavin' on a jet plane . . . off to Germany to see Ulrike and her family . . . side trip to Venice . . . woo hoo!
08/06/07
So, I was sittin' at dinner last night, and Momma noticed it...the big bruise on my arm. "What happened?!" she asked. Uh, oh, I thought...tried to lie at first...said I hit it on a pole in the barn puttin' up Schatzi's salt lick. She wasn't buyin' it. She knew I was lying. So, I fessed up...yes, Momma, Schatzi kicked me. I hadn't told her because I knew she would freak out 'cause Momma's afraid of horses and worries all the time about me getting hurt with Schatzi. Anyway, it was funny how it happened...Schatzi left a fart, scared herself, reared up a little and kicked me before I could move out of the way. Kept doing it, farting and scaring herself...finally took her off her lead and let her run...and off she went, running, farting, jumping. LOL What a sight! Momma's still not amused.
07/28/07
Just for all you MySpace junkies . . . www.myspace.com/haleysheeler . . . now go there and be my friend!
07/18/07
Okay, okay, okay...I hear you all...I've now received my umpteenth e-mail asking why I'm not on MySpace. Well, I never really felt the need to be since I have a website, but just for you, I'm gonna do it. Momma won't be too thrilled about having to keep up with two websites, but she'll adjust. LOL. I'll let you know when things are up and running.
06/21/07
Finally, a glimpse of Thunder 'n Tow-mader, and the farm family album is complete...check it out here.
0 6/16/07
Finally, sometime during the night, the last of the new babies arrived. Haven't been able to get a good look yet at Calf #6, another boy (or Calf #5). Their Mommas have hidden them somewhere in the cool shade of the pasture. Calf #6's name according to Dalton?..."Tow-mader!" Photos of the Thunder and Tow-mader comin' as soon as they come out of hiding!
06/15/07
Calf #5 was born today...a boy, black and white. Haven't been able to get a good look 'cause he's been hiding in the pasture with his Momma, Big Red. The new little guy's name is "Thunder" (Dalton's idea for a name). Still waitin' for the arrival of one more calf.
0 6/13/07
Today is Schatzi's first birthday! She's doing great and has such a fun personality. Her little face is right at the barn door when I arrive in the morning, and I'm just as happy to see her as she is me. If she's out in the pasture and sees me, she trots right to me and greets me with hearty "neigh." Mein Schatzi! Every kid should have a pony!
05/30/07
Matt and I picked up Schatzi today...and she's beautiful! I was also finally able to get a glimpse of the two new calves, Diesel and Mabel, and snapped a few photos. Click here and take a look at Mein Schatzi and here to see the two new additions to the herd.
05/27/07
Two more additions to the farm arrived today...two little black calves, a boy and a girl, Diesel and Mabel (Elyse's idea for a name for the girl). I'll be postin' pictures as soon as I can get close enough. They've been hidin' out deep in shade of the pasture.
05/24/07
Momma and I headed down to the Mann Center in Philly tonight to catch one of our favorites, Damien Rice, in concert. Needless to say, he did not disappoint...and the encore the most unusual we've ever seen...awesome. We first heard Damien back in 2003 when I bought his CD, "O." It was love at first listen. He's an Irish dude...but, no, it's not what you're thinking...not a "Danny Boy" or "Lord of the Dance" kinda thing. If you've never heard of him, check him out some time.
0 5/22/07
Well, still waiting for those other little calves to arrive. . . but, in the meantime, I finally got my pony!! Yes, I was always one of those kids begging my parents for a pony. They never got me one, so tonight I went out and bought one myself. Matt's still putting up the fence at the farm for her new home, so we'll pick her up next week. She's beautiful . . .a filly yearling (she'll be a year old on June 13th). Since Matt said I couldn't name her "Horsey," LOL, I've named her "Schatzi," German for "Darling." There will be pictures, for sure, so stop back!
04/26/07
Went to visit Calfy today to find that baby cow #2 had arrived . . . another little girl, reddish brown . . . her name is "Loretta!" Click here for baby pics!
04/23/07
Arrived at Matt's farm last night just in time to watch Bessie give birth to "Calfy," the first of six baby cows due this spring . . . she's adorable, all brown with a cute white face, a bit wobbly, but growing stronger by the minute. I know, I know . . . "Calfy" is not the most original name, but I just had to name it that after watching home videos of Matt as a little boy, calling after one of his little cows . . . "Here, Calfy! Here, Calfy!" Gotta run . . . off to get some "muck boots" and get some baby pics developed. More baby updates to come . . . and photos, too!
04/15/07
Momma 'n I are back from Mississippi . . . awesome experience! For those of you who don't know, we traveled there to help with Katrina clean-up and rebuilding (yes, 19 months post-Katrina, there still remains much to be done...many areas still look like a war zone, many people still need help). Met some wonderful people, did a lot of dirty, tiring work, ate a lot of great food, and came back with a story to tell and memories we will never forget. You can check out Momma's pictures from the trip by clicking here.
03/13/07
It's a boy!! He's beautiful, and I've named him "Sully," after my favorite "Dr. Quinn" character. No, it's not quite what you're thinking! I took Jackson to Meadowood Music (www.meadowoodmusic.com) for a check-up, and while owner, Mike (who, by the way, is a walking encyclopedia on everything you ever wanted to know about Martin guitars) tended to Jackson, I decided to wander over to the nursery with Momma to check out the "babies." Oh, so many beautiful babies! After Mike finished, he joined us in the showroom, and we chatted a bit about exactly what I was looking for in a "son" . . . then he pulled out this gorgeous D-18 Golden Era Adirondack spruce 'n mahogany baby from his secret stash . . . and it was love at first strum. So, Jackson now has a brother . . . and I'm giddy . . . which is not the same as giddy-up . . .the giddy-up will have to wait because I just spent my "pony" money on Sully. I must say that Momma's happy, too. She wasn't too thrilled about having a "mucking" pony for a grandson.
02/19/07
Happy President's Day. Just realized it's been a long time since I've done the "blog" thing here. Been busy workin', doin' shows, and diggin' out from last week's ice 'n snow storm . . . swell way to spoil Valentine's Day! The night before the storm, my boss called and told me I wouldn't have to go in the next day. Woo hoo! I was so excited . . . a snow day, just like I was back in school. I could sit in front of the television all day in my pajamas, watch countless episodes of my favorite televison show, "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" (yes, I have every episode on DVD), and eat cookies and drink tea. This is exactly what I would do with Momma during a high school "snow day." Well, the excitement lasted until about lunch time, then I was bored out of my mind! And it was all of us . . . the whole family . . . trapped for the day . . . together . . . yeah, you get the picture. LOL Just wasn't the same. So, the crazy weather and crappy roadways lasted a few days, my Open Mic at the Hard Bean was cancelled . . . but luckily I finally "broke free" and had a really fun show at the Bethany Lutheran Coffee House on Saturday night . . . boy, I needed that! (Thanks, Harry!) Then, last night I went snowmobiling for the first time with Matt and his friends . . . boys and their toys . . .finally had a chance to try out the snowmobiling "gear" Matt got me for Christmas . . . where we were, I haven't a clue, 'cause those darned snow covered fields all look the same to me . . . and, no, Brian, we didn't jump the snow pile at the end of your driveway . . . wasn't us . . . LOL . . . had a really great time . . . but I think my butt is still frozen. Okay, enough chatter . . . back to work. Talk atcha later.
01/06/07
Okay, okay, okay . . . here are the answers to the questions everybody keeps asking me . . . for those of you who saw me on "Comcast Tonight" this week, yes, I was definitely tired . . . I had been up since 4:30 a.m. that day and had put in a full shift at work prior to that taping (I didn't get my afternoon nap!). . . and for those wondering why in the world I chose to sing "For What It's Worth" instead of something off of my new CD, the answer is this . . . I didn't choose that song, Comcast (Janelle Wolfe, the host) chose it, I believe mainly because of it's length (it's not a very long song). Had it been up to me, sure, I would have performed something new and original off of "Walkin' West," . . . but I was just thrilled for the opportunity to be on the show. I have been reminded many times (especially by one crazy recording engineer) that my original songs are too long, especially for air play. That's just the way I write 'em. I think I get it from Jackson and my Momma. You all don't mind, do you?
12/14/06
Funny thing happened to Momma today...well, not so funny...to say that she was livid is putting it mildly. Anyway, if any of you know me (or if you've ever visited "Mom's Brag Book" on my website or seen any of my CD covers or posters), you know that my Mom is THE official Haley photographer. So she was working on a "Haley project" and needed to get some quick Haley photos printed. She stopped by Wal-Mart and used one of those Kodak kiosks to print out some pictures. She then took the pictures to the photo counter to pay for them. The clerk there looked at the pictures, then before she knew it, all four women working at the photo counter were huddled around the pictures, whispering. They then asked Momma if she had the original photo. Mom said, yes, and handed them the CD with the original on it. She was then told that wasn't good enough. Anyone could have the photo on the CD. By this time, Momma is thinkin', "what the hell is going on?!" She was then told that they would not give her my photos, that the photos look too "professional" and they would have to shred them. . . in other words, Momma was breaking some kind of copyright laws, making copies of someone else's photographs. Well, at first she replied, "you've got to be kidding me! Those are my photos. I'm the photographer." Nope, sorry lady. It's our call. You've got to fax us a signed release to have these photos printed. The argument continued, with my Mom insisting that the photos were not professional and that she had every right to reproduce them. She told them to give her a release and she'd sign it right there. But, of course, they didn't have any such form (and Mom doubted whether they even knew what a release actually was). Then one of the women whispered to the other, "just shred 'em." That was it. Momma left the counter, without the pictures, but not without a few choice swear words. She marched to the front of the store and asked for the store manager. She was directed to a man in a little blue vest, mulling around the check out lines, who looked like he hadn't shaved or bathed in a week. He told her that he was the "Front End Manager." When Momma explained the situation to him, he mustered up all his managerial skills and replied, "it's their call." A few more choice swear words, and she was out the door. (She then proceeded to Sam's Club...which, ironically, is basically Wal-Mart, and printed the pictures, no problem.) But she still wasn't happy. All day, she had been fuming, mainly at the fact that they were insinuating that she was a liar. So, she went online, Googled "Wal-Mart Photo Release," and, sure enough, she found such a document. She printed it out, signed it. (She also found a number of articles about other Moms and professional photographers having the same problem with Wal-Mart) Anyway, Momma marched right back to Wal-Mart. The women (including the Photo Manager) that she had dealt with earlier, were still there. She handed them the signed Release, and just as she suspected, they looked at it like it was in another language...didn't even know what it was. Momma said, "Here's the signed Release you wanted. I want a guarantee that you've shredded those photos. . .and I want you to let me run the pictures again." Momma watched them huddle again, whispering...she could tell they didn't have a clue what they were reading. After about five minutes, the photo manager said, "go ahead, you can print them, but we'll need your driver's license number." What??!! And so, now I think Momma will finally take the advice Dad has been giving her for the last year . . . boycott Wal-Mart.
12/04/06
Whew! Last night was the official "Walkin' West" release party, and what a time it was! Full house and fun stuff. Lots of friends, family and fans on hand at the City Espresso to enjoy some Haley music, Heather's awesome java, Dad's famous homemade chocolate chip cookies, and Momma's delicious fresh baked peanut butter whoopie pies. If you missed the celebration, you can always check out "Mom's Brag Book" to see what you missed. Berks.TV stopped by to cover the event...you can see my interview here. Morgan from "Voices" also was on hand to report on the event, so look for her article coming soon in that section of the Reading Eagle. So, now it's full steam ahead with the performance schedule and promoting the new CD. I'm thrilled that Border's in Wyomissing contacted me and asked to carry both of my CD's in the store...yes, you can buy' em there...or at the Hamburg Hard Bean, the City Espresso, Max Crema's, or The Crooked Door (615 Penn Avenue in West Reading). Woo hoo! Also just got an e-mail from "Comcast Tonight"...scheduled for a TV interview on January 2nd. I'll keep ya posted on when that will air. In the meantime, come on out to a show. I'd love to see your smilin' face in the audience.
11/15/06
"Walkin' West" is finally here!! You can wait until the CD Release Party on December 3rd at City Espresso to get your copy . . . or you can order it now right here. And, if you really, really can't wait, you can do the whole 99 cent digital download thing for some of the songs at http://www.digstation.com/HaleySheeler. Have fun, kids!
11/12/06
So, last night I had a show at one of my new favorite places to perform, Crave Coffee & Gelato in Womelsdorf. At the end of the night, a woman in the audience announced that she and her date had met online. During the early stages of their online chatting, he had sent her "Angel" from my first CD. She loved it. In fact, it's still on her computer, and they've now been dating for six months . . . and they were at their very first Haley Sheeler performance. Awesome! Here's to lots more love and Haley gigs for Karen 'n Rhen.
11/02/06
My very first "blah, blah, blah" entry . . . new website to go with the new CD . . . tentative release date is 12/03/06. Woo hoo. Been a long summer and fall puttin' the CD together, but I think it's been worth it. So, anyway, true story . . . this morning I was headin' out to work, dark yet, slipped my boots on real quick, felt a crunch and thought maybe there was a leaf in my boot. No big deal. Rushed out the door. Got to work and decided to investigate the leaf, which had become annoying . . .took off my boot and found a HUGE smashed crunchy beetle on the bottom of my sock. Freaked me out. You know, the kind of freaked out where you spontaneously shudder and gag at the same time. Really. Okay, everybody . . . stay tuned for more Haley "blah, blah, blah." Miss you, Spatzi!