Hollywood =)
GREAT NIGHT!!!!!!! For me this week ended on a high note!!! Amen to that. I did some acoustic reheasing at the studio then took a break to go out to dinner with the crew! Thanks guys for including me! =) What a crazy bunch....haha...my kind of people!!! The resturant had both the Yankee and Mets games on so that was cool! Then it was back to the studio to work and it went really good. Finished tracking another song and made up a couple advertizing spots to air on TNT since I'm the featured artist all week long! Check it oooooout!!! Today I'm going to see the high school kids play of Beauty and The Beast and I will have a birds eye view up in the control booth! haha I hope everyone is having a Super Sunday!
Just call me Hollywood....ya heard? ~Dena~
I wear my sunglasses at night cuz baby the sun never sets on a badass! hehe
04/30/06
Apology Accepted
Lots on my mind I guess so I was up early. Ooooor maybe I could blame my brothers extremely loud music and singing that did it! haha I received an interesting e-mail today from someone that apologised for hating on me back in middle school and now wishes me good luck with my music. She wondered if I remembered her...and my first thought was...does anyone ever forget the bullies that intentionally went out of their way to be cruel? But I appreciated it none the less. I watched the movie "Elizabethtown" on pay per view with my mom before I went to working on my songs. There is lil time to do much else now cept get ready to go into the studio....where great things are born. =) Keeping busy trying to fit it all in for sure.
Stay true to yourself! ~Dena~
04/29/06
Older Men ;-)
"I love older men. Oh my God...totally!!" -Cameron Diaz
Ok I'm stealing your quote Cameron! With all my attractions to older men like Al Pacino, Matthew Mcconaughey, Derek Jeter, Kevin Bacon, Jake Gyllenhaal and well, the list is long believe me but dang...how fickle am I? These guys couldn't be more different from each other in looks and personalities. haha It's fine tho cuz I am invisible to them and fantasies are usually better than reality or so I'm told. Well aside from all those thoughts...I'm always practicing and working on my stuff. I know you probably get bored hearing that but MUSIC IS MY LIFE!!!! haha <--(thats for you Ash) Have a fun friday everyone!
Love & Music, ~Dena~
04/28/06
Full Day
My aunt came home from Florida and she always comes bearing gifts! She lives there all winter and she is missed like crazy! So this morning it was family time with her and my mom, grandma and me cooking breakfast, blasting music, opening the goodies she brought us and hugs all around! Anything from Legends Field is the best! Now that she is home the four of us will have some crazy times and laughing till it hurts. A combo of exercizing and practicing keeps me busy this afternoon. I'm supposed to work the concession stand at my brothers baseball game which is always fun! Then going into the studio right after to work on acoustic and maybe some tracking. I have a lot to do!
It's all good! ~Dena~
04/27/06
The Four D's
Wasn't American Idol amazing last night?! I had to wait till today to see it and I couldn't vote but I just love Chris. While most of the world is waiting to just hear the singers tho, I'm paying close attention to the advice and comments given to the singers. When you have the 14 grammy winner, super producer/songwriter David Foster on the show helping out....WOW! You clearly do not waste his time. To many of you it may seem that his ego is quite inflated but he just knows what he knows and honestly...I wanna know what he knows! I would love to have been a fly on the wall listening to his every word. David said, "If you can't cut it in my studio then your gone, period!...it's hardball, it's not softball." hmmm these words ring true for me now with the people that I work with! But I love the Drive, Determination, Discipline and the 4th D - DaBella! and hey I'm a D too so it makes sense to me! lol What I do know is...hard work does pay off and the rewards are not always about money!
Thanks! :-) ~Dena~
04/26/06
National Anthem
Okay you didn't cross your fingers everybody! Last night didn't go so great so now we have to work up to greatness to end the week up killer! haha Some things on the schedule didn't even get started but other things got finished up. I recorded the National Anthem (Dena style) and today I gave a copy of it to the coolest people I know to have them play it at my brothers high school home baseball games and tonight it debuted! Woo hoo!! It sounded amazing and everyone that knew me looked at me with smiles and cheers. I had to leave right after for a voice lesson tho, stop back home to post this (sorry its so late) and then I'm hittin up the rest of the game before I head into the studio! It's cold out enough to put back on the winter coats too. brrrrr
Warm hugs! xoxo ~Dena~
04/25/06
TNT Internet Radio
Kept busy all day but pretty much stayed to myself. I've been playing the internet radio TNT - checking out how it works since I will be the featured artist all next week. You can request my music now too and it's fun cuz you can dedicate songs. Tonight I'm rehearsing with band number 1 for the first time! Then after that it's more acoustic rehearsal with just my guitar player. Oh and tracking the National Anthem is on the list too! Busy night ahead I think! My plan is to start the week off great and keep it that way! haha Cross your fingers! Off I go!
Love & Music! ~Dena~
04/24/06
Marilyn Monroe
Well I'm over it now but this morning I was all set to go with the fam to Cooperstown to watch my brothers team play baseball, but...noooo, it had to be rainy! The thought of just getting out of town for a few hours sounded like a great way to spend a Sunday. I tried to go back to sleep but some of the guys came over for breakfast and then they started playing video games and they are crazy loud. haha I just hit the playback on the DVR to watch 48 Hours Mystery about The Marilyn tapes. I recently wrote a song bout the cover up surrounding her death and I really got into knowing more about her life beyond the pin-up queen fantasy! I don't know if this song will make the cut for my full length but I hope so. Well, I have plenty I can do other then sit on my butt-erflies!
I'll leave you with this MM photo and quote. ~ "It's nice to be included in people's fantasies, but you also like to be excepted for your own values at that given time."
~Dena~
04/23/06
I Want Some Pie
Holla!!!! - Good night at the studio last night! I had a good nights sleep, worked out first thing this morning, been watching the Yankees (my older bro and his g/f are actually at todays game and I'm trying to catch a glimpse maybe of them), gonna help my mom with making dinner soon...all while doing what I do best....hehe, singing! My younger bro has his g/f over and she is having dinner with us! As for me...the only man I answer to (other then my pops) is my producer so I just watch my fantasy b/f on tv...aka....JETER! hehe Going into the studio early tonite to work on harmonies! I'm loving it! Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. xoxo
~Dena~
P.S. I want some pie. The end.
04/22/06
It's a Good Day
I went to a wake this afternoon for a man I really didn't know but I do know 4 of his daughters. They have all touched my life at different times over the years through teaching, music and friendship. These beautiful women are strong, creative and giving and I am lucky to know them. It is times like this that remind me to count my blessings. I want to let my family and friends know how much I love them and care about them. Including this dictator I know! haha But alas, I must put away the sentimental side for now and get busy working.
It's a good day today.
Musically yours, ~Dena~
04/21/06
I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar!
A new day, a new perspective on things. I'm gonna be ok even if everyone else choses to be cranky! haha Good thing I don't have any vices to cling to when I'm down. I just work even harder to prove I am DENA, hear me ROAR!!! haha yeah and those "haha's" I type in are genuine giggles I often have. Today my grandma is 82 and she is sooo beautiful! Check out this recent photo of us!! I hope I have as much energy as she does when I'm her age! I love you Grandma and thanks for always being there for me! Into the studio tonite to exercise my vocals and kick acoustic butt. Be prepared Donny!
xo Happy Birthday Grandma! xo
Love Always, ~Dena~
04/20/06
Serenity NOW!
ok...idk how it's possible to go from being extremely positive, happy and thinking everything was on track, to complete crap! but guess what? yeah, --it happens! Since I am but a mere child that needs to be set straight from time to time, apparently I must learn to mature up and sensor my silly self. rwahhhhh! I expect to keep working hard cuz it's what I do, despite my bruised ego. My awareness of who I am and what I'm made of is constantly being tested and thank God for these encouraging words....
God grant me the
Serenity
to accept the things I cannot change
Courage
to change the things I can and
Wisdom
to know the difference.
Love Always, ~Dena~
04/19/06
MADness and Music =)
Good night last night in the studio working on acoustic material. Need to continue with that too cuz I have a show coming up in a couple weeks. Puts other things on the back burner but gotta do what ya gotta do! I'm so pumped! I'm finally gonna be getting my music out there live and meeting people face to face! If you are reading this but haven't joined my mailing list then do it now cuz we will be giving away tickets to some of my bigger shows during the summer, but you must be on the mailing list to get them!! =) Sweet stuff happening for sure! Already got my 4 mile walk in and I have a voice lesson today instead of my usual Wednesday time slot. Into the studio at 8 bells where all the MADness and Music happens! yeah baby!!!! But enjoy your day where ever you are!
Love, Love, Love! ~Dena~
04/18/06
Monday
Geez did I get a slow start today! I woke up at noon, jumped in the shower, and then went on MySpace to answer some people. My mom and I have been throwing around some new hair ideas. Not exactly sure what it is yet that I want to do, but for now I'm keepin my current hair color. I'm headed into the studio early tonite and I plan to work on my acoustic show. Some of my shows will be done acoustically and some will be electric with full band so we have to work out both. It opens me up to playing a variety of different places. I think Subway (turkey sub) sounds good today for eats. Ok, so thats the deal. Catch up with ya again tomorrow. ;-)
~Dena~
04/17/06
Easter Love
I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday! My fam went out to breakfast this morning after mass instead of doing a big dinner this year. There was no Easter bunny bringing Easter baskets or colored eggs either but I guess I'm getting too old for that......NOT! haha I put in another 4 mile walk today till my knees started bugging me and then just hung out with my mom watching that sweet movie Jerry McGuire! Not sure what's happpening tonite. Having nothing to do does not equal boredom for me...it just means I don't have anything pressing to get at and I can be chill. Ok, don't eat too much candy! xoxo
Love to all my peeps! ~Dena~
04/16/06
Sunshine
I am so loving this warm weather! I just got done with my four mile walk and thinkin about eats. Last night at the studio was quite exciting and fun. So many opportunities up ahead that I'm really looking forward to, but I know I have to work very hard. Next week I'll start rehearsing with my band and I can't wait. Hopefully everything goes smoothly, but if not...well, thats what rehearsal is for! I'm going into the studio early tonight to do some tracking. Should be a productive night! Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
Keep Smilin! ~Dena~
04/15/06
Happy B-Day Mom
Go Mom! It's your Birthday! haha Yupperz, the fam celebrated with lunch at Red Lobster (I ate Salmon) and then right back home for cake! Except for the rain I'm in a great mood! I'm excited about working tonite too! The newest songs I'm working on are killer and you guys are gonna love them. It's like a lil of the old me mixing it up with the new me and I'm loving it! I knew God had big plans for me and maybe I haven't been the most patient girl but everything in it's time. I know one thing for sure....I'm in great hands! Timing baby!!! Timing!
Feel the love, ~Dena~
04/14/06
Shop! Shop! Shop!
Hope everyone is having a great start to their spring break...aka...Easter break! I have been out and about all day with my mama! Appointments to keep, lunch and of course shopping for some kick a$$ clothes and accessories to perform in!!! I'm really lucky that my mom and I have the same ideas. Makes it really fun and easy to shop with her. And I'm really, really lucky my dad is okay about paying for everything. God I am so blessed. (really) Anyway, its catch up time now for getting in the zone musically and tonite I'm back at the MADhouse with my crew! YES!!!
Lots of Love, ~Dena~
04/13/06
No Problem
I woke up positively happy and then something changed. I felt sick to my stomach and I had shortness of breath. Laying down and worrying didn't help so I tried to blow it off and work through it. It seemed to be one of those days where you try your hardest to get things done and it just doesn't happen. Something as simple as burning a cd turned into a 2 hour ordeal and it's still not done right. Grrrr Soon as I post this I'm headed to my voice lesson which I missed last week so that will be good. Then later I'll be rehearsing on my own since I have the night off from the studio. Always keeping positive tho!
Smiles! =) ~Dena~
04/12/06
Serious Fun =)
Great night in the studio last night!!!! I'm feeling very thankful for all the support and encouragement from those that care about me. I'm feeling so strong and healthy. AND I'm feeling very loved. So much in front of me to be excited about yet so much to learn too. I take what I am doing very serious but I'm having so much fun! My inspiration (Derek Jeter) just hit a 3 run home run while I'm typing this up and that's some serious skills right there! hehe I'm ready for new challenges in my life just like he finds with every game he plays! And when we screw up, it's not the end cuz tomorrow we will thrive! Booya!!!!
Sweet Day! xoxo ~Dena~
04/11/06
Gotta Love Al
Its a lovely day today :-)
SoOoOo whatever you gotta do
You gotta lovely day to do it in
Thats true
Its a great day for singing a song
And its a great day for MoOoOving along
Its a great day from morning to night
Its a great day for....everybodys plight.
-Al Pacino Scent of a Woman
Pretty much that says it all! I'm in a good mood! Hope you are too!
Booya! ~Dena~
04/10/06
Palm Sunday
I went to 8AM mass with my dad and my grandpa for Palm Sunday. The sun is shining and I'm feeling really positive. My mom is slowing getting around more. The one request she had of me today is to help her with blow drying her hair and I think I can handle that one! Dad cooked dinner today and I have to get in my walk sometime yet and possibly up it by a mile. I wish I had an IPOD for just such occasions but I have my trusty CD player for now. I am totally looking forward to seeing the people I've missed more than I can say for the past week now. I hope that goes both ways.
~Dena~
04/09/06
I Definitely Don't Want More Time Off
I'll be glad when this week is over. My producer had given me this week off to kick back (a lil bit) and maybe chill with my friends and do things that he felt I might be missing out on cuz of working so hard for months and months. But in reality...fun for me is working. I'd rather be around people that speak the same language as me. ya know the language of M-U-S-I-C!!!!! Although we talked online and on the phone, I never saw my best friend once cuz she has a boyfriend and he is always her main focus. As much as music is mine I suppose. I know I was needed more this week to help out my mom and thats fine but I pretty much stayed at home and my R & R included watching baseball and new movies that came out on DVD. haha I know what I want and it's def NOT more time off.
xoxo ~Dena~
04/08/06
Rain Rain...GO AWAY!
It's a dreary day in my neighborhood. I can't believe the week is coming to an end already! The days seem to go by so fast so I try to enjoy each one. I'm not really a morning person, but the past couple of months I've forced myself to get up earlier than I used to. It definitely makes my day seem longer and more worthwhile.Today I plan to spend most, if not all day in my house rehearsing, workin out, taking care of my momma...ya know the daily routine. hehe Hope everyone has a great start to your weekend!!
Love ~Dena~
04/07/06
Out Of Order
Everything was out of order today. It was like family day with my younger bro having a half day of school and my dad was home on a work day. My mom came home from the hospital and is in alot of pain. I was helping her with whatever she needed cept because she laughs easily (like me J) whenever I said something funny she told me to go away cuz it hurt too much for her to laugh. I took the opportunity to grocery shop with my dad in search of "healthy" foods and not the junk he always picks up. Later we hit up my bro's baseball game in Owego so the house would be quiet for my mom to rest. I called her to let her know that UE Varisty won and how awesome my brother did!! She says the weirdest things on medication I tell ya. haha She can't drive for a week either so the car is allllll mine! mwahahahaha
~Dena~
04/06/06
Hospital Time =(
Hey everyone. I've been at the hospital all day with my dad and my grandma, so I just got home. My momma had surgery but everything went great! Looks like I'll be taking care of her now for a change instead of her taking care of me! Unfortunately the snow flurrys I didn't want came anyway, keeping us locked indoors all day. My plan tonight is to get some rehearsal in before I go to pick up my younger brother at practice and then get us something to eat. Then maybe later on check out who's the next to go on American Idol! At least I know I can't get kicked off..hehe.
Much Love! ~Dena~
04/05/06
No Snow PLEASE!!
Last night I was dreaming that I was at a Yankee game which makes sense since they were replaying last nights game all night long and I had fallen asleep watching it. (which btw..the yanks kicked butt!!!) I haven't left the house today but it's a little cooler out and I heard there was supposed to be snow in the next few days! HA I dont think so! I'm so over winter weather! I have been rehearsing and exercising plus my mom is giving me some instructions and how to run the things around here that she usually does, since she will be away for a couple days. Wish me luck cuz I'm not very domestic! haha Bring on the music!
xoxo ~Dena~
04/04/06
A Week Off -- WHAT?!!!
My producer gave me this week off from going into the studio BUT I will be doing other things at home. Today I'm working on my live stuff! I'm upbeat about it all and just need to pull it together for when the time comes! I've been performing on stage nearly all my life but rockin' out with my own band is so freakin' exciting I can't stand it!!!! So much to do first tho....
Your dreams are the windows through which you can see a hint of your future and what you can be! Sooo peeps, I'm back to work! Have a nice day everyone! Today is opening day for the Yankees! woot! woot!
Be Sweet! ~Dena~
04/03/06
Family Time
Last night in the studio was good! Got home early too but couldn't go right to sleep. Habits are hard to break! Today I had a baby shower to go to with relatives and it was cool seeing everyone! There were soo many people that it took the parents like 2 hours to open all the presents! well......they are having twins! haha Hung out with my cousin that I don't get to see very often and she always makes me laugh hysterically! Afterwards I hit up the couch and started watching old movies (big mistake) and the day has slipped away making me lazy. I guess you could say today has been a day of rest!
~Dena~
04/02/06
Spring Ahead
I just got back from a 2 mile walk and I feel great! It clears the winter cobwebs in my mind, not to mention it keeps the junk in the trunk away! hehe I just remembered it's "spring ahead" and we lose an hour on the clocks tonite which sucks but I love the fact it stays daylight longer. I noticed I'm getting better at multi-tasking since time is so precious with having so much to do. I can watch the yanks play ball on tv, listen and sing to my songs, write in my journal and eat a yogurt at the same time. haha Just don't call me or it will throw me off track! haha oh wait...i can put you on speaker, no prob! Have a nice day! xoxo
~Dena~
04/01/06
~ Past Journal Entries ~
