IRIS HARDEN'S "SURVIVING THE STORMS" From PRODUCER.. The first time Iris Harden contacted me, it was actually for a project with LA-based publisher, GNK Music. The song was positive, up, and validated the heroism of women in the Armed Forces, a subject seldom broached even in our modern music. I worked very hard on that song, giving it my all as I sensed Iris did, every day of her life. The song was called "SHEROES." By the time we final mixed, I felt that Iris was a true "SHERO," for all she did and still does to rise above her personal difficulties and yet still be a fine expressive artist. We worked together for over a year after that, with me the willing muse to her very creative outpourings; During this productive time I came to know more about her wonderfully generous, prolific nature,even in the face of chronic pain, her struggles with bureaucracy and what would have turned any other person hopeless. Her resilence as a spirit just continues to astound and inspire me. Iris Harden's message is Hope, is Peace, is Light. She is not afraid of tackling hard topics - She's lived them; She willingly visits the shadow side if only to turn on the light for all to see the Grace in everything. It was an absolute honor to produce and perform all this rich material which, happily, is now released as an amazing new CD - "SURVIVING THE STORMS." Iris never gave up on her dream to make a difference in the world. Despite her own needs, by faith, she donates $1.00 per sale to EACH of the following charities: The Salvation Army, The American Red Cross and The Armed Forces Veteran Homes Foundation. I say, "May the message from within her soul be heard". Buy the CD. Listen to each song with your heart. Play it for others and share it with a friend. They will thank you for it. Tarey Wolf OMA Award Winning Artist and Producer 2002 for debut Cd "Magnificent Obsession" Tenaya Creek Studios - Tampa, Florida October 11, 2005 Read Personal Story From .....Iris Harden....Thank you. *************** Let me see if I can share what "Surviving The Storms" means to me and how it came about. No matter what you may be up against..don't let the storms of life steal your dreams. First, I want to thank God for every single blessing of life - including the strength and ability to write these songs. I thank my Momma and Daddy for their love and always supporting my music.I thank some special Drs. for "Practicing With Their Hearts". I want my children to know I love them for standing beside me. I thank everyone who has ever shown me even the smallest act of kindness. **Since release of this CD, I found the reason for excruciating pain. My husband and I were POISONED by a TOXIC agent in our home. We need proper medical treatments to survive this injury. With multiple organ damage, pain, burns and immune dysfunction, we were put to the test of being a real survivor and had to live by our own words of inspiration. We also had to abandon our home, studio & possessions, go thru 10 months of homelessness & things we never could have imagined.** I am strong in spirit..and intend to be a SURVIVOR! How can I possibly thank those who helped me see "Surviving The Storms" become a reality? Tarey Wolf shared her rich mellow and beautiful voice to sing my songs. She did an awesome job of sharing my music. I am the one who feels honored. Susan Maree Jeavons is a wonderful spirit and has worked to help abused chidren. I'm very happy to have two of her lyrics included in this collection. What a devoted lady! Tlee Brooks? He gave me the ability to dream again when I felt I had no hope. We met in 2000 when I went to Mayo Clinic. Since then we've written many songs and released 2 CDs together. I thank him for 3 melodies on this project. Such finesse and grace! (Tlee is now my husband)... As for me, IRIS, I just want to make a difference in this world. I have a message to share and I know music can live forever. This began as just a few songs - including one called - HURRICANE - which I actually wrote for all the victims in 2004 - in the Florida area where Tarey lived. It turned into an entire CD. I wrote the songs out of a genuine love for others,personal tragedies and a sense of truly undertanding. My music is my only means of support. Things seem insurmountable. But I thank God - in advance - for blessings. Any good from SURVIVING THE STORMS - He gets all the praise and glory! I filed a personal injury claim against Grange Insurance back in Jan. 2006, but it appears they abandoned me even tho the home was insured. Though I was already trying to write songs of survival- I had no idea toxins in my home were creating this intense pain. Phil Urban -CEO- I hope you know I am a true survivor. God wants me to live. He will fight my battles. My Bible says, No weapon formed against me shall prosper. The songs cover many topics that face the world today. So many are things we often forget. They talk about the sick, homeless, disabled, our military & troops, natural disasters, God's love, our dreams, and many other things near to my heart. I've endured many of these scenarios. Yet with miracles of hope we can "survive the storms" of our lives. I feel, devinely...as I prepared the text for this CD to go to manufacturer, I heard of one of the very worst natural disasters to ever hit the USA...It was named Katrina..As I sat with tears in my eyes, I felt the sad and such tragic reality of "HURRICANE" - So much heartache - So much pain.. which I'd written before I even knew of a Katrina! I could almost hear the storm victims crying out for compassion and love. [They still need that compassion today]. My desire is still to help the weak and broken hearted - the shattered lives - the exact same way I felt a year ago. Despite my own tragedy, I still wish to donate $1.00 for each CD sold to EACH of these charities - The Salvation Army , The American Red Cross and The Armed Forces Veterans Homes Foundation. They respond to the needs of human suffering. From assisting familes with shelter, food, clothing and other basic needs to providing long term, quality health care to our elderly and infirm veterans - Together, saving lives! May the CD sales have a financial impact. I know - from my own life - Miracles Happen Every Day! I hope the true message is heard in each song. It's there, just listen for it. Though I may never walk into your life, may I leave footprints of eternal hope upon the pages of your heart. I truly appreciate the support of my music, CDS and I'm thankful for all the prayers. As "Crosses of Life" says...Even oceans can be crossed by simple prayers we pray. Any interest in my songs, CDs..for airplay, fundraisers, release or any other reason..please contact me. I would just love to hear from you. I hope you hear something that will mean something in your own life. God bless you all. Songcerely.... IRIS HARDEN I also have a 911 Tribute CD & a fun country blues CD -Truckin On for sale. I co-wrote them with Tlee ..now my husband! Just one more thing - Never let anyone tell you your dreams cannot come true. Believe in yourself and what you do. You know the passions of your heart. Live them and keep on even when the world comes against you. Don't be afraid to attempt what has never been done- there is always a first time. So Follow That Dream! Love, Iris To see injuries and story (video) from ABC News go to www.myspace.com/faceoftoxicmold