Imagine....
The more details the better! My imagination is so vivid that I can scare myself with it! haha But when I apply it to goals that I have it's really cool! There is nothing too far out of reach if you really want it bad enough! But I also know reality has it's stumbling blocks, so I carry with me the Serenity Prayer!
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.
Today begins a new week but it's the last day of April! WOW!! My CD is not yet back from mastering but in the meantime it’s business as usual! I hope your day is awesome and your imagination is full of love, fun times and all the riches of fulfillment you can stand! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/30/07
Follow The Dreams That Flow From You
Yesterday was definitely a day of hard but satisfying work. Singing, playing piano, and then putting the two together. I went into the studio for another acoustic practice with my guitar player for some tightening up on songs we already know and working on some new cover songs! Then we spent the rest of the night workin out the guitar parts with the piano. Yes, its true, I will be singing and playing the piano at future gigs. It’s a really new thing for me, but I think if we really work hard it will be very cool thing. Anyway we definitely accomplished a lot last night and that left me with a very good feeling! Now today I’ll be just chillin and listening to the music I love most, and taking notes of how it makes me feel. Just gonna go with the flow today! Be sweet! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/29/07
Getting My Shine On
Anything worth having is worth working for!! I’ll be kicking in some extra practice today! I definitely don’t want to take any steps backwards musically or become complacent with the status quo! The minute I do though, my producer will pick up on it and go all boot camp on me! Hey someone has to keep me in line when I feel contented to a fault! haha Funny thing is I'm never really content with myself so there is never a problem with doing drills and pushing the limits! My producer knows my potential more than anyone and so I must be open to the wisdom he imparts on my a$$ even if it stings sometimes! It's about respect and trust, listening and executing! Fortunately I can take the heat! So I'm on fire today so someday I will be shining brightly among all the stars that have gone before me! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/28/07
Road Trip
I stayed awake all night and THAT was the easy part!! haha ...cuz after crashing this morning to catch some zzzzz's, I have a throbbing headache! I had taken this lil road trip in the middle of the night to keep my Aunt company on the school bus she drove to Syracuse to drop off some high school seniors at the airport! It was cool too, seeing the students that knew me and talking with a couple of my old teachers! As everyone was getting on the bus they were like uh... "Dena is that YOU?! What are you doing here? Are you coming on the trip!?" They were headed to New Orleans for the Jazz Festival and it sounded like a awesome time! Now I'm struggling to adjust from the missed hours of sleep! haha Tonight I'll be in the studio rehearsing with my guitar player so I have that to look forward to! Hopefully he has been practicing on his own so we are up to speed! Have a fabulous friday!!! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/27/07
Stuff
yesterday...My brother’s prom is coming up and I went with him to help pick out his tux! He is soo handsome in a tux and it made me wish I could repeat my own prom cuz it was so much fun!!! I danced all night long!!!!!! Later on, parked my butt on the stationary bike, watched TV (on mute), while blasting Shania Twain's CD "Up!" (pop version)! You never know who I might be in the mood for musically cuz it changes daily! One day I can't get enough of the RENT soundtrack and the next it could be Nickleback! Today...I'm singing my own music but later I could totally be feeling anything from Celine Dion to Avril! I hope everyone is doing what they love today and peace is with you! I'm keeping it lite and happy as possible!!! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/26/07
Music In The Air
Things are happening all around me that are very exciting but I'm not quite ready to talk about specifics!! I don't want to jinx anything until everything is in place but it will be take my music to a whole new level of recognition!! I feel very lucky to be where I am right now in my life. The cool thing is I'm here in my hometown making things happen! Don't get me wrong, I can't wait to travel the country and better yet, the world!! and I will!!! Patience, persistence and perseverance baby!!! Well today is gloomy outside but I'm above the clouds where things are very clear and music is in the air!!! Hope your Wednesday wicked cool!!! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/25/07
Get Your Giggles On!
For me, a day without laughter is a boring day! So bring on the giggles! I'm not really a 3 Stooges kind of girl but I do love bloopers! Stuff that comes out of nowhere! Laughter is the best medicine! I'm not sick but to ward off any negative distractions or thoughts that creep up, it's good for me to laugh and be silly! I'm all about keeping a healthy balance in my life! From diet, exercise and a mentally positive state of mind! Today my workday includes a voice lesson! I enjoy my one-hour block of time each week with my teacher soo much! I plan to work out in a bit! That always gets my blood pumping and increases my energy! Giggle and have an awesome day! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/24/07
Monday Mood
Fresh air is blowing through the house and it actually puts me in a spring-cleaning mood! More specifically, cleaning out my closet and drawers...aka storing the winter coats and sweaters and getting out my shorts, tank tops and sandals! Singing all the way no matter what I do or where I go! I'm considering a trip to Corning for my brothers’ away baseball game this afternoon! Nothing like a lil road trip on a gorgeous day, fresh air and baseball!!! It almost makes me consider eating a hotdog!........... umm not!!! Can’t do it! I better bring some "Dena" food with me so I don't starve! haha Hope your mood is fabulous wherever you are!!! Sing and be happy! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/23/07
I'm Walking On Sunshine
Wow! Another gorgeous day and I've decided to take advantage of it and get out a little bit. This morning I woke up bright and early for church. At the end of the mass after the priest made all the announcements for the upcoming week he finished by saying, "and nobody talk to me about the Bombers!!" Hahaha...I know exactly how he feels!!! I just got home from the grocery store. Kind of a long trip but I like to pick out the healthiest of foods and read all the labels. This afternoon I'm going to see "High School Musical" at Epac with my mom and my younger brother to see his girlfriend as the lead. It's always fun going to the theater, brings back some happy memories. After that, it's game time!! So thats what my day looks like, hope all of you are out enjoying the sunshine! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/22/07
Rock and Roll
Last night was a Kick A$$ RocKin' good time!!! The crowd was sending some real love to me on stage and it fuels me to KILL it even more!!! My band did an awesome job too so thanks guys!!! I loved the other talent on the venue!! Jason Jaksetic enlightened us with his story of triumph over addiction and he was very cool! Great to see Brendan from Wheatus again! What a show man!! Shout out to Jess! Thanks for the monkey!!! Oh yeah and now you know what RedBull does to me! It definitely gives me wings AND pretty much uncontrollable chattering with reenactments from Saturday Night Live! I'm such a fan! If there was any down side of the night it was that my mom twisted her ankle tripping over equipment and today she is hobbling around on crutches! She is a trooper though and not much keeps her down. I'm heading to my brother’s baseball game now on this fine sunny afternoon!! Have a fabulous Saturday everyone! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/21/07
Simply Me
Last night was just simply fun! Band practice went great so we are on target for tonite! Afterwards it was a blast helping set up the equipement and relaxing for a change with people that it's usually all about business! Just me in my jeans and braids, singing showtunes on stage and being silly me! Tonight tho make no mistake I'll be in the ZONE rockin' with my band! Make sure to come to the show, drop by my merch table and say hi!! Doors open at 5 and I'll be singing around 6:45 PM but come early and stay late and enjoy all the entertainment!!!! I started my morning out having issues again on myspace and after killing a few hours trying to get it corrected I can now concentrate on getting ready! Be happy!!! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
11/20/07
P.S. Happy Birthday Grandma!!! 83 years young!!! Woo Hoo!!!
The Look!
Nice day off yesterday! I was out and about for a lil while and later in the day I chilled with family, watched TV and worked out! Today I'm having fun choosing performance clothes and trying to narrow it down to something I can rock out in and feel comfortable in at the same time! Sometimes what looks good up close doesn't project on stage but this isn't the big time yet so only I care! haha I'm not into wearing jeans to perform in because it's so street and with my background as a dancer and theatre I am all about costumes and having stage presence! Tonight I'll be rehearsing with my band and then setting up for the gig tomorrow! The show should be a blast and I'm really excited to hear the other bands, the guest speaker and seeing Brendan from Wheatus again!!! Some very cool people indeed! It would really be cool if you were there! So drop in and stick around to say hi!!! I'd love that! ok gotta get workin'! Be sweet! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/19/07
What? It’s Not All About Me?! LOL 
Band practice went well last night!! Wished we could have more time to prepare for Fridays show cuz I really wanted to sing some new songs! If it we up to me I'd be rehearsing every night, haha, but the guys in my band have other jobs and other obligations! Now today I have errands to run so I'm gonna get going! I hope your day is happy! Feel all the ups and downs, twists and turns, joy and sadness that life brings. It makes you who you are! Genuine! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
04/18/07
Comfort Zone
Yesterday was noisy, weird and somewhat out of control (in my mind) until I got a handle on it! I turned to what I do best…I sang!! I found my happy place and took back my happiness! I remember when I was a lil girl riding the bus to & from school, I hated the noise and confusion so to find my comfort zone I would look out the window and silently sing to myself! Nobody even knew I could sing cuz it was my escape. So, yesterday, after a many hours of full out singing, being on my own to dream and a dose of my own sensible thinking, I was renewed! Later today I have a voice lesson, then band practice! Staying focused is the name of the game! Have a fabulous day! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/17/07
Blame It on the Snow
Talk about confusing weather.... or not! Maybe the weather is what it's supposed to be and I'm confused?! yeah that's it! When weirdness happens in our everyday lives or stuff that doesn't make sense it can throw us into a tailspin. So let's blame the weird weather today! If every Monday was like this particular Monday then I would not want to even get out of bed. Wow can you believe I'm even saying that? I'm hearing that song "So You Had A Bad Day" in my head, which brings smiles to me because everyone has them! Music is my saving grace I tell ya!! So my advice to you (and to myself) is... when something seems to be bugging you, then try to let it go and let it be! Now onto happier things... hopefully. God Bless! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/16/07
Nor'easter....Say what?!
I'm being extremely lazy so far today but the wheels in my head are always turning! Also we are anticipating a snow storm called a Nor'easter! So far there has been nothing but rain so that's good! Now I know why a lot of my family has moved down south. haha I guess today I'm gonna take it easy, watch the Yanks, and dream of where I hope to be very soon. Despite all the gloomy weather I'm feeling pretty positive and I gotta stay that way!! Hope everyone feels the same! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/15/07
Happy Birthday Mom!
She probably doesn't want the world to know it's her b-day but she RocKs and I love her and she isn't getting older, she is gettin' better!!! haha (truth) I have to mention that last night was very cool playing at the Moghul! That place is very classy and I love the decor! All I had was warm water to drink so I have to go back sometime and eat there! The other guys on the venue did awesome from what I heard in-between on the chit chattering happening around me! Shout out to my best friend and her man always for their love and support! and I do believe I saw some familiar faces in the room that I was happy to catch smiles from! I'm now gonna be working myself up for my gig next weekend and that is gonna be a blast!!! Full band and Brandon from Wheatus is back in the house too! Check out my show list section for details!!! Alrighty everyone.... Be good and enjoy your weekend! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/14/07
Winter In Springtime
Snow flurries! Cold! Dreary! But, I’m happy! My plan is to remain low key, get my shower on, the hair and nails done and later rock out at The Moghul! Sitting here next to the electric heat to keep warm lures me to feel sleepy so that’s not good! Dang weather! Anyways, get motivated and have a fun Friday the 13th!! The last thing anyone needs is bad luck and if you're not really supersitious, you won't have to worry! haha xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/13/07
Let Go
It’s gonna be a full day of work for me! Been warming up the vocals this morning to get my practice on for this afternoon’s vocal workout! Throw in some piano practice and eats! Haha yeah gotta eat sometime right? Tonight acoustic practice! I’m ready to bring it after having a relaxing day yesterday! I took in that fresh air at my brother’s ballgame (they won!), had a delicious fish dinner, and caught up with all my taped TV shows while working out! The only negative thing yesterday was the scary thought that someone stole my password on my myspacemusic account and had gone on it and posted a nasty bulletin as me! Fortunately with a lil help from my friends that gave me a heads up and told me to change my password ASAP! Well let go of any toxic thoughts you might have (I will too) and enjoy your day!!! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/12/07
Execution
I have some fabulous ideas always running through my mind with some fabulous people by my side and of course in my fantasy the sky's the limit! Executing it is tough sometimes and some things just move much slower in real time! But hey...... slow and steady wins the race they say! I'm totally happy but thank God we have our imagination to lift us up and inspire us when real time seems to be draggin' it's feet!! I just need to call on all I've experienced, and what's most meaningful to me, add some Dena flavor and make it come ALIVE!!! It's my day off today so aside from catching up on my fave missed shows; I plan to go my brothers baseball game later! Fresh air should feel good for a change! I spend an awful lot of time indoors! Hope your day rocks! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/11/07
Real, Real, Real, Real, Real, Real
Just keeping it real over here! Working, practicing, rehearsing! Today is a voice lesson and then studio tonite! The band is learning some more songs and I have acoustic time to put down for this Friday's Singer/Songwriter Showcase at Moghuls!!! (check Shows section for details) I know it's on Friday the 13th but don't let that stop ya from leaving the house! Hope your day is really great! Thanks for lookin' in!!! Gotta fly!!! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/10/07
I'd Rather Be Singing
Yesterday was very chill indeed! I went to early mass, then colored eggs and around 2 our family went out to dinner! It seemed more like Christmas with the snow flurries! haha Later it was movie time and I watched Happy Feet! Cute movie for sure! It was more like a musical! Today it's back to work and I'm singing and trying to post to friends and stuff on myspace! I'm so lax with that site and I shouldn't be because afterall it's a great marketing tool for spreading word about my music but it's so time consuming! I need to get me a street team to handle it! haha I'd rather be singing and so that's what I'm gonna do! Have a nice day!!! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/09/07
Happy Easter V
You never know who you might meet at the Hometown Coffee House! hehe
Have a fabulous Easter everyone!!
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ (& The ~Easter Bunny~)
4/08/07
*Hometown Coffee House Gig Today!!!*
My Friday ended up better then good and I expect today will totally RoCk!!! Rehearsals went great last night and the band is learning a couple new songs of mine to add to the playlist. I'm having some of my songs made up as mix minus's so I can have them for special circumstances. Actually I will be performing one of my songs off my full length at EPAC for the Devin Spears Scholarship Showcase on May 12th! So that is a good example of when I will use a mix minus! But this afternoon is an acoustic gig at the Hometown Coffee House from 2 - 5! Be sure to drop by the Oakdale Mall for a listen and definitely stop and say hi!!! I'm in a hurry to get ready now but everyone have a rockin' day! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/07/07
Good? Friday
Tis a sorrowful one today, appropriately, I guess. I'm feeling off center and the gloomy weather matches my mood. I did have acoustic practice last night, which went well, and tonight I have a double rehearsal with my band and acoustic! So hopefully I will end my day on a happy note even if right now I'm weirded out! All I can say is... I'm glad I don't know it all because it leaves me plenty of room to dream! I hope your Friday is good! After all...it is what you make it! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/06/07
Prepare...and Songs Be Heard Instead of Sighs
When I watch all these reality shows like American Idol, Dancing With The Stars, Top Models or Pussycat Dolls...you name it...they clearly prove that it's about being PREPARED to go up against your peers in your chosen arena! Confidence, desire, belief and above all... preparedness all factor in. When bad things happen (if you don't run away feeling sorry for yourself OR blaming others for what happened) the lessons learned will refine you and make you stronger! Not saying teardrops won't fall when things don't go your way but when you know this is your dream...nothing will stop you!!! I believe preparation puts you in control of your own destiny! Shine where you are and I'm gonna get to work on my shine too! hehe xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/05/07
Home Alone
Gloomy days always make me want to sleep in...so I did just that! well....it is my day off! haha I've been home alone all morning, which is rare, so guess what I did?!! I sang!! haha Big surprise right? When I'm home alone I get to sing ExTrA LOUD! haha Last night I had acoustic practice and got the set list ready for Saturday. I'm looking forward to singing some new material off the album for everyone! The cool thing is, that I have so much material that each time I perform we can switch up the songs a bit. Also, I've been working on some really cool new cover songs to add to list. Some oldies and some modern. Anyway, cool things happening behind the scenes have me pumped and it just motivates me to work even harder! Although I don't know how that is possible!! haha Look around you and find the joy in your life! Have a nice day! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ It's a sunny spring day and it could be the last one this week because snow is in the forecast! (yuck) My older brother just headed back to school so we had breakfast together before he left. I have a voice lesson later, which I always look forward to! It's amazing what an hour a week with my teacher can do to help me improve! It's a slow process but worth every second. It's about resistance, pulling, stretching and finding the natural place for your voice! Tonight brings a VIP meeting and rehearsing with my guitar player! Acoustic show at HOMETOWN COFFEE HOUSE (at the Oakdale Mall) this coming Saturday to prepare for! Check show section for the details! So it's time to work on my music, business deals to comprehend and personal stuff to attend to!! haha Hope your day is filled with positive possibilities!! xoxo Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ Sorry everyone for no journal yesterday but I was out of the house the whole day up in Ithaca for a Battle of the Bands benefit!! If you've read my news section on the homepage than you already know how it went!! I was soo excited and grateful to win since I've never done a battle of the bands before. The best part is that now my song "Someone" will be getting airplay on VIC Radio!! Everyone I met was very cool!! I had such a great time performing and being with my camp! It's where I fit in best I'd say! My big brother Jay was there and I told him he brought me good luck!! After they announced the winner I did a live radio interview on VIC, so that makes 2 different radio stations, 2 days in a row! hehe I was pretty much "spilling over" with happiness this weekend and still am!! It's April everyone! Where does the time go? Hope your Sunday is relaxing but killer! xoxo Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/04/07
A-C-T-I-O-N
4/03/07
PLAY BALL
And now..the moment we've all been waiting for... Opening Day at Yankee Stadium!! haha Yes, it's true, I'm a love crazy, dedicated fan, but it's not all my fault! I was raised that way. So please, no haters!! I'm geered up with my pinstripes and I'm smelling good too cuz ummmm...yes... I'm wearing Jeter's cologne Driven!!! Gotta love it! haha It's such a beautiful day today and great things are happening! I still feel on a high from the exciting weekend I had!! I've been singing most of my morning already and will be workin even during the game! Hey if I want my own box seats someday I gotta work hard to get there...right?! Be sweet and be happy!!!! xoxo
4/02/07
What A Weekend!!!
4/01/07
~ Past Journal Entries ~
