It's a sunshine day and I'm feeling fine! I've been running errands with my pops today! My fave aunt dropped by and while she was here I missed answering a very ugly, harassing phone call! It showed up as private and the message was definitely vulgar and threatening. It's definitely a distraction but fixable! I need to jump on the music wagon and get focused! Hope your day is sweet but killer! mwahahahah xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/31/07
Yo
Today I feel like crap. Wow!!....I bet you can't believe I even said that?! haha I'm being honest so whatever! It takes a lot to bum me out too but I'm human and it happens! So what do I do when things get rough? yo...I sing it out...yo! haha The day is young and things will flip around I'm sure. I just need to sing, sing, sing! I hope your day is rockin' & rollin'! Please do a lil dance for me! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/30/07
New Experiences
Typically I have Wednesday's off from working at my music but that's really not a total truth because I truly eat, breathe and sleep every day for my love! Today though will be a bit different as I am putting in a full day at my cousin's new place of business! I will gain some new experiences with learning about something I didn't know before plus make some new contacts. And of course I could really use the money! haha
I didn't want a whole day to go by and leave you wondering where I am so I am writing this early and leaving it for my manager to post for me! haha I love my dedicated readers and hate to disappoint!!! Have an awesome day whatever you do! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/29/07
You Do The Math
Nothing much to tell really! Just working a lot! Last night was about laying down the ideas for my commercial and other VIP business. It's very cool but time consuming when all I'd rather do is concentrate on the actual music! In my dreams of being a singer I didn't envision how involved I would need to be with business side of it! haha I do like to have control over the final decisions that concern me but crunching numbers is not fun for me! Hense the saying...starving musician! Creative people really don't like to think about the math! haha Today I'll be singing all day with a voice lesson this afternoon and rehearsal with my guitar player tonight! Sounds good to me! Hope your day is a happy one! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/28/07
The Summit
Sometimes I feel like I'm climbing a huge mountain. I've taken lots of baby steps, some giant steps and even did a lil backsliding! And I've truly had some moments where I felt lifted up a lil further as if on the wings of angels! I've stopped for breaks, caught my breath and dug my heels in again and again! Giving up is never an option as long as I keep my eye on the summit! It's gonna be sooooo beautiful when I arrive!!!!!!! I knew before I started this climb that it would take blood, sweat and tears! It's part of the package with a whole lot of determination and that is something I've got a lot of! I'm glad I'm not alone on this climb and hopefully no one drops out along the way! I really hope to have you up there at the top with me. It's gonna be one sweeeeeeeeet celebration and one hell of a view!!! So start your day out with faith in your heart and climb upward! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/27/07
I Scream for Ice Cream
After a day of working on piano and singing I finally got to relax. I put my feet up and watched a movie while pigging out on cookie dough ice cream with colored sprinkles!!! hehe That is something I hardly ever get to do and last night was an opportunity to do just that. This morning I visited my grandma for a lil bit and she made me eggs! Soon as I post this I'm headed out for the remainder of the day. I have a mandatory 2-hour meeting this afternoon, dinner out with my family afterwards and the possibility of catching a movie with my street team leader later tonight! She has gone from a being a Dena fan to a good friend. Smiles! Well off I go people! Hope your day rocks!!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/26/07
Hot One
It seems like there was something significant about today's date but I can't recall what! hmmmmm, must not be very important! hahaha It's hotter then hell today....well I wouldn't know exactly but maybe some of you would! LOL ok, ok, I'm being facetious! I'm already missing my buddy who headed back to college. (sigh) Shout out to Billy! mwahahahaha I have plenty to get at so I must stop playing games. Keep cool and be sweet! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/25/0
Widescreen
This morning I woke up in kind of a rush. I had to meet with some of the people in my camp at EPAC to check out the stage and see how my video "Our Song" will show on the HUGE widescreen behind me. It’s not for certain yet but maybe I'll be premiering my new video at the show too!! We'll most likely be using the projection screen for other songs during the show as well. I got so excited all over again standing up on that stage and imagining everything!! Like I said you don't want to miss it! Today I'm running kind of low on energy so I might have to run and get some red bulls!! I need to rehearse and then another meeting tonight about my TV commercial I'll be doing to promote my show. WICZ Fox 40 and My 8 are doing all my television ads! Other media on board will be Wild 104 FM and I have radio spots to prepare also. Lots on my mind and lots to accomplish. Enjoy the sunshine today! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/24/07
Super Busy
I'm super busy but I have no problem with fitting in a few hours a week to work for my cousin at her new place of business with the understanding that my music career comes first! As long as we both can agree on hours! haha Promotional materials are on the way to the printers for my CD Release Party. You should be seeing my picture floating around very soon!! Ok everyone, I'm exhausted so I'm gonna relax and watch Big Brother 8! I would love to get on that show!! hehe Have a good one! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~ Yesterday was a strange sort of day for me. Drama and things going on around me trying to trip me up and it was a long day! The plan this week is to rehearse on my own while my band rehearses on their own! This morning, the strangeness continued when I woke up from a nightmare and then I found a nasty message on my cell phone! Don’t cha just love those cool, anonymous callers that speak what’s on their mind but cowardly block their number they are calling from?! Haha I'm singing and doing my thing just trying to stay happy and as focused as I can be. My brother bought the pop version of Playstation’s singstar! Can’t wait to goof around with him on that! Should be good for some sh*ts and giggles! Haha Okay…got stuff to do and I’m sure you do too! Have a fabulous day! xoxo
8/23/07
Don't Cha
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/22/07
Just Keeping It Real
The knowledge and experience gained even if I fail over and over again will only make me stronger! Having said that...I don't feel like I failed anything really, cept when the people around me start feeling underappreciated... then I feel like I failed them. I'm bouncing around doing my thing and dreaming of success but so much more needs to happen that goes on behind the scenes. It's tough sometimes. Everyone really needs to know their worth and how much I appreciate everything that's being done for me! I know who is the real deal and who isn't! Like Santa Claus I'm making a list and checking it twice! That's one thing I've become pretty savvy about. Point your arrow at my heart and if it bounces off, know that I am not superwoman but I do have the armor of angels watching out for me! Thanks everyone! Keep it real! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~ Always Love and Music, ~Dena~ Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/21/07
Sing It Out
I cannot sit still today! I have so much on my mind! I find myself pacing while singing loudly. The cat follows me from room to room and probably thinks I'm nuts!...but he purrs and loves me anyways! My day today will be all about my music and every note I will sing with passion and love!
Shawn Colvin expresses it best with her lyrics...
If there were no music
Then I would not get through
I don't know why I know these things, but I do....
Make your day great!!! xoxo
8/20/07
Sometimes it feels like I'm in the eye of the storm! Everything is whirling around me and yet I'm trying to remain calm! It can be dizzying for sure. I have entrusted people working with me and for me. Some are friends and some are just business associates. I care about everyone...sometimes a lil too much maybe! But I'm learning that if they pull a no show or if they are representing me and making promises under my umbrella that they can't keep, then they don't deserve my time anymore! I say night-night! So while I'm busy trying to stay on point with my music career I need to be prepared for anything and everything because I know things can change on a dime. Good and bad!! I am a believer in that good will triumph over all! Have a great Sunday!!! xoxo
8/19/07
Yesterday I did some shopping for my CD Release Party! Think hot pink and black! It's definitely gonna be a great time had by all! Last night I was in the studio working on some more loop stuff. I'm sure now more than ever that things are going to come together, it's just gonna take some patience and persistence. WARNING: If you have excuses or wanna pick a fight...do not enter the Dena zone! haha It really hasn't been one of the greatest of weeks for me, but all that means is there is only one way to go from here, and that's up! I hope your weekend is rockin'! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/18/07
Get Serious or Get Out
so yeah.....let's not talk about last night shall we? LOL Basically there was an explosion of sorts at band rehearsal and it was not pretty! I quickly picked up the pieces of my former self and went into the VIP meeting like everything was cool! That went well I thought and we covered more ground with concerns for my CD Release Party! I have some serious shiz running through my mind today and my sincere expectations are on what I would like to see happen and I know what I need to do. I hope you have an awesome day! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/17/07
ALMOST
Between the intense ever building slow ride to the top, the quick drops, the loops and the speed changes from slow to fast to slowing down again I can truly liken my life as a rollercoaster ride! It's so exciting and when I throw up my arms and enjoy it full out, it's the best feeling! Then when I get scared and hang on so tight my hands cramp up, I almost want to get off the ride! key word...ALMOST! cuz baby...I really wanna keep doing it again and again! Last night I had a fun evening with my best buddy, first going out to dinner and then to a bonfire with people he works with! Good times with new people! Tonight I have rehearsal with my band and a VIP meeting afterwards! Should be a no brainer but then again....I better take my brain with me just in case! haha Have a thrilling day and enjoy the ride! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/16/07
Push It
oh boy....it was one of those nights that didn't go very well! needless to say..grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! but it happens every now and then and ultimately I'm the hardest on myself....next to my producer of course! He has the crystal ball and definitely knows more then I do so I'm all about getting it right and pushin' forward! Wednesday is my night off but is it really? Physically yes but mentally no! I'm always thinking and planning and writing the next song! (with a video to go with it of course) haha
So no feeling blue... time to "rock it" into the future! Be cool! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/15/07
In the Zone
Only 6 weeks to go before my CD Release Party!! Seems a ways away right?? Well...not to me!!! Not with the way the weeks just fly right on by! haha So much has to get done, but I know everything will fall into place. My camp is going to meet sometime this week to bring everything to next level. My job is just to practice, practice, practice! So that's what I'm doing. Rehearsal last night with my guitar player went well, and tonight I believe will be a repeat. During the day I'll be singing my butt off, which is what I've already been doing this morning and I have a voice lesson also. I need to get in the zone and stay there!! Alrighty guys I hope you're all enjoying this gorgeous day wherever you are! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/14/07
The time will not dully by...
It was a family day yesterday for the most part with my older brother home till late in the afternoon. Then last night I went to a "Shakespeare In The Park" play to see some of my fellows actors performing! I no longer have time to be in the plays I loved doing once upon a time. But alas, I do support the theatre still for sure! It was outdoors under a tent and we sat in lawn chairs in the night air! Today I had errands to run and have been out of the house since 9 AM. Believe it or not, I am eager now to get to work here singing! Tonight I also have rehearsal and most likely I'll be putting in a lot more of that to prepare for my upcoming CD Release Party which is gonna ROCK!!! Ok my rockin' readers....have a happy, happy Monday! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/13/07
AMAZING DAY
Sorry about the missing journal entry yesterday but I had an amazing singing gig that kept me away from the computer all day! It was a private event that was held outside and I switched it up with a DJ throughout the party! I felt soo good and pretty much have to say it was one of the best gigs to date! Everything went perfectly. I met some of the nicest people, the food was great and I danced up a storm so whatever I ate, I burned off! haha I especially love the lil kids who are so honest and giving! The DJ and I judged a cannonball contest and I had as much fun doing that as the kids did jumpin in the pond! haha (the winner pictured below in front of me) The way this last minute gig fell in my lap could be considered luck but I prefer to believe it was divine intervention! But that's just me............ Have a super cool Sunday whatever you do! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/12/07
Guitar Strings
Last night I had another long rehearsal with my guitar player. He kept having guitar strings popping off from playing so hard and that allowed me to rest my voice while he changed them! haha I will put on a great show Saturday for sure and I'm looking forward to doing an outdoor gig with the expected beautiful day weather wise! The crowd expected will be around 600 people and I LOVE playing to huge crowds. It gets me really pumped!!! My older brother is coming home tonight and he wants to go out to dinner with all of the family so I'm gonna put in an earlybird rehearsal today. Right now I'm gonna grab a quick snack and then start getting things ready for tomorrow. Much to do! Smile cuz it is Friday and everyone loves Fridays!!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/10/07
Ice Cream
This day seems to be flying by already! I’ve been helping my mom with stuff, but thinking I have my own stuff to keep me plenty busy! Family comes first! I need another sugar high like I had last night after eating a huge ice cream cone made with my fave flav, chocolate chip cookie dough! I was wired for a good couple hours and then blam, I crashed. haha I blame my friend for that cuz she just started working at an ice cream parlor and she asked me to drop by! Haha I’ll be having rehearsal tonite with my guitar player to tighten up the set lists for Saturday. Over 30 songs I will singing. Um, Red Bull please!! haha ok I gotta go,! Have a nice day! muah! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/09/07
Pass It On
Every single day I look for the good in everything and some days it can be a slippery slope. However yesterday went really good! That's the simple version but truth! So far today I woke up annoyed with the sound of machinery pounding outside my house when I desperately wanted uninterrupted dreamtime! hmmmm...so the good in that was it forced me to get up early and seize the day! This is a good day and I feel good! Now I just want to turn it up a notch and make it great! For me it begins with the combination of love & music in my heart & soul and a simple smile! I'm off to greatness! Who wants to join me?! hehe
:-) Pass it on! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~ Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/08/07
Dream On........(I wish)
Just as I was finally starting to have a good dream… I WOKE UP! GRRRRRRRRRRR! hahaha It's hard for me to come by good dreams, so it’s kind of a cruel joke when it’s taken away from me in a split second!! Oh well. I'm going up to the hospital in a little while to see my friend who suddenly had to get his appendix out! It's scary how it can just explode at any time and you could die from it! Makes me nervous cause it can happen to anyone, but I guess you can't think about it. Well later I have a voice lesson and then even later I have acoustic rehearsal. Turns out I have a last minute gig this Saturday for a private event, so I'm sorry but I can't invite you! Ok guys, be cool and enjoy your day! xoxo
8/07/07
I went to the mall with a friend of mine and basically window-shopped since I really don’t have the extra $$. We had lunch and then went back to her house for a little bit so I could see her baby sister and all their new animals. It was gorgeous out and nice to do something a little different. Then I went over my grandma’s house when I got home and saw my baby cousins visiting from Florida. The cutest thing was when I kissed my cousins little boy he giggled and fell backwards off of his feet! His mom caught him and everyone was cracking up! haha Gotta love those precious family moments! Today it's back on target to sing through my set list and also do some piano work. Oh yes and definitely spend some time workin' out since I've been slacking on that side of things the past couple days! haha Everyone have a great day! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/06/07
Coming Together
Last night I was back into the studio to rehearse the acoustic and piano stuff for my show. It sounded really awesome and I think it will be one of my favorite parts of the show actually. Sure I like rockin' out and dancin' up a storm, but its nice sometimes to strip down and just sing your heart out. Slowly but surely everything is coming together. The music, the promotion, the merchandise, everything! Today I'm gonna do some shopping and get some fresh air too! Hope you have a lovely day!!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/05/07
Sugar Falls
The weekend is flowing ever so smoothly so far! A lil of this and a lil of that going on! I am mindful of the fact that hard work is the only thing that will get me out of this place and even though there truly is "no place like home"...I sure would like to see more of the world!!! haha My secret is to be positive & believe and it will happen! I have rehearsal tonight and I'm so looking forward to that! I'm working daily on my CD Release Party stuff with my camp and I shift gears around that. I am feeling pretty sweet today and I hope some sugar falls over you to sweeten you all up wherever you are! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/04/07
Running
Last night I got to hang out with my best friends again. Playin' pool, watching TV, munching on lots of popcorn, and just laughing so hard!! It's fun to hang around people you know and trust so you can be as silly as you want. Today I'm feeling a bit sluggish but it's not gonna stop me from accomplishing what I need to. I actually think I'm gonna sit down and start writing titles for new songs that might be in my future. I haven't done that in awhile so I have lots of ideas running through my head. No rehearsal tonight so I'm not sure what the plan is yet. Hope you have a good one!
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/03/07
You Gotta Have Heart
Time spent in good company can chase your blues away but fun time spent in good company can RocK your SocKs!!!! haha That describes my evening last night for sure! Thanks Melissa for the fabulous dinner!!! This morning was also very exciting because I visited the ARC and sang some of my songs with my mix-minus, autographed photos for each of the students and answered a ton of questions! I enjoyed meeting each & every one of the kids and counselors! Thanks to my best bud Garrett for bringing me into his classroom for the 2nd year in a row! It's hotter then hell outside today so I'm gonna be inside working with the AC blasting! And my advice to everyone (and myself) is to do what you love and play to win! Remember you're choosing to sabotage your own career if you chose to do sloppy work...right?! SO PUT YOUR HEART INTO IT! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/02/07
Happy August To You
Yupperz... it's officially August but it doesn't feel any different than July! haha My mind keeps wandering and yet I have so much in front of me to get done! Unfortunately I'm running on low today and I need something to charge me up soon before I cave! I'm calling RedBull right now! hahaha I have a business meeting at 4 and then an invitation to dinner, (friendly but business related), later tonight so this afternoon will be prepping. I know it's summer and people are getting their vacations on which totally makes me jealous! So what happens is, I go off in la la land for these lil mini breaks! Quite possibly where my head is at this morning cuz I can't seem to get motivated! It happens! Whether you're dreaming bout a better place or actually there, I hope it's amazing! Aloha! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
8/01/07
~ Past Journal Entries ~
July '08
June '08
May '08
April '08
March '08
