New Years Eve
Snow is the weather of the day. The kind of snow I wanted for Christmas and didn't get. Now when everyone wants to get their party on for New Years Eve it's tricky to drive in. Last year it was dry up until midnight but rained right after! I had a gig too and celebrated with my band! This year I will be lost in the crowd. Friends, fun and laughter are in my plans for tonight! Tomorrow I will tell you how I brought in the New Year! Don't expect much dirt...I am not the party animal type! haha For now I will be working on my music and business related stuff all day. Family dinner later and then out! Hope your evening rocks whatever you do! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/31/07
Songs
So last night I went into the studio again to work on the new song, and to my surprise, we started another one!! Unbelieveable, right? You're probably thinking why would you start another one if you haven't finished the first one. Well that is how "Mirror" was written. All the parts, arrangements, and lyrics were written way before tracking them! We had 30 songs written in a month, and then we picked the best out of that. I have lots of songs stored away, and it's important to keep building that library up. These next few songs are bringing me to another level. Musically and lyrically. I love where I am going! I hope you love where you are going too! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/30/07
Hey Grandma!
A productive night in the studio! The new song will be more of a dance groove and it's something different from what I've done before. There is nothing that I can't do, I believe! Growing up, everyone told me my vocals sounded a lil bit country but I was aiming for pop/rock! What's funny now is that my theater training was something I had to get around and dismiss to sing pop like it needs to be sung! My producer thrashes me every time I start sounding like Julie Andrews! hahaha I visited my grandmom for a few hours today and the funny thing is she says...hey I haven't read your journal today! And I'm like ummmm, because I'm here! So here I am writing this at her house on her computer! haha She said when you're done, please read it out loud to me! She is in her 80's and the coolest, hippest and sweetest woman I know! So this entry is for her, my biggest fan! Have an awesome day! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/29/07
Making A List
I am trying to get more organized and keep a tighter schedule. Like Santa...making lists works well for me! It would help if my place of work wouldn't be so random with scheduling their part-time help. A top priority for me right now is working with my producer to bring new songs to life and banking them. Forward thinking like this will benefit "US" greatly later on. No one has to tell me what to do but I’m cool with reminders! I’m sticking to my ways because so far they are working for me. If you don’t agree, tough. Don’t worry, I’m still as nice as I ever was…just stronger!!! I am not wasting anymore time with people that don’t get it! haha Hope your final weekend of 2007 ROCKS starting now! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/28/07
Reflection
I can't believe this year is coming to a close already. I feel like it was just yesterday when I was making plans for 2007 with high hopes that it would be the best year yet for me! And it was!!! I'm so thankful to all the people who supported me and helped to boost me forward in my career. And poo poo on those that tried to throw me off my game! Who knows what 2008 will bring but I'm just going to work even harder and keep my camp tight! I will be promoting "Mirror" here and in Europe! I will also be releasing new music as well that I'm very excited about! It's an ongoing process and I'm on the right track! I love how music attaches to a feeling or a moment in time and "Mirror" will always be a beautiful reflection of an amazing place in time for me! It's forever! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/27/07
The Day After
I hope everyone that celebrates Christmas had a lovely holiday! I enjoyed the day very much especially getting a kick out of seeing how happy I made everyone with my gifts. I tried to make it meaningful, fun, funny and even a bit theatrical! Of course I loved all the gifts I received as well and not a thing needs to be exchanged! The food was delicious and now that the 2 major eating holidays are over I'm definitely getting back to eating healthier. Musically everything is going great and thanks for all the great feedback on my Christmas song. I will be removing it after New Years so be sure to get your free download of it before then. It's back to business as usual for me! Hope your day is awesome! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/26/07
Merry Christmas
Peace Be With You!
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/25/07
Jingle All The Way
To know me is to know that music jingles my bells! hahahaha It's what's in my heart and I know this as my truth. All this other stuff around me is necessary but happiness for me is being in the studio recording and then writing more songs to record and finally performing to a live audience of my fans! haha It's a balancing act to maintain the dream, make it happen and then try to survive in a very competitive world. For what I know and for what I have...all in all I am very blessed! I am pursuing my happiness! There is no money jingling in my pockets from it yet but success cannot be measured in money at this level. I am on the ground floor working my ass off and growing the wings I need to fly! So what jingles your bells? Happy Christmas Eve Day! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/24/07
More Shopping
I took off early this morning on a shopping spree with my mom and we made a day of it! We didn't even buy a lot but while out and about we chatted with so many people we ran into and that alone stretched our shopping adventure out even longer! It was great to wish everyone a happy holiday that we don’t always see! We finally rested our feet and got a bite to eat mid-afternoon and off again we went to hit up more stores! The traffic and the pouring rain just made us want to go home finally although we really could have kept going! I wished it were snowing instead. (sigh) I have a ton of stuff I need to get at but oh well....I will get to it…eventually! Haha Hope your Sunday was great! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/23/07
Sleepyhead
The truth is, I'm sleepy right now from waking up early. It was only a couple hours difference but now I'm in need of a nap! I worked this morning and I have so much personal and business stuff to do, yet I have no energy. Company in the house besides. Not complaining...just stating. I hope your Saturday is rocking out! I'll be back in the zone rockin' with ya right after my nap! haha night-night xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/22/07
Shopping, Song and Sweets
My dad asked me to go shopping with him this afternoon and there went a chunk of my day. It's all about the small odds and ends for stocking stuffers and some goodies to eat! It's fun being out and about this time of year! Everywhere I go, I hear the song, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", and I think of my recording of it and hoping I'll hear it randomly in the stores playing in the years to come! I still haven't made the cookies! I need to get baking!! Hopefully I can get my mom to help out too and whoever else wants to join in. I make a mean cookie people! haha Ok everyone enjoy the start to their weekend!! Family time for me! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/21/07
Just a Thought
Christmas is for giving. Now blend the "for" & the "giving" and it could also be a good time for forgiving! It's just a thought. I really hate when people are at odds and the tension is high around me. If I wanted to be cynical then I could also say that when you switch the letters in Santa around it spells Satan! Don't be a scrooge! May I suggest try going one day without complaining about anything! I'll start it off, starting now! hahaha Have an awesome Thursday! Be sweet! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/20/07
It's Not Personal, It's Business
I'm on my laptop at my uncle's house right now while he is taking care of some DenaMusic business for me! It's taking a few hours of his time so at least I can do myspace posting and emails while waiting! As the holiday nears I'm feeling the Christmas spirit more and more and I'm looking forward to my older brother & his girl coming home in a couple days! So much to do yet too, including baking cookies. If that doesn't happen then the back-up plan is Oreos! haha Before I do anything else I need to fuel up! Alrighty my friends...hopefully your day is going awesome! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/19/07
No Other Day
Woo Hoo!!!!! Last night I received the mastered version of my newest song "No Other Day" which is be released on the European version of "MIRROR"! I LOVE IT!! The new order of songs has been put in place and it’s on its way to Brookside Records! There are so many pieces of the puzzle that have to fit just right or it won’t work. Staying focused is what gets it done and the fewer breaks I take the faster it happens! BUT I ALSO KNOW...slow and steady wins the race!!! I have to stay sane in the chaos of this business and if anyone around me goes nuts then it affects me and not in a good way. Thankfully all is well! I want to mention that one of my best friends got engaged this past weekend and I’m so happy for her! Congrats Ash and Nick! We are on different life paths but remain close and when we get together we have so much to share! Life is what you make it!!! And there is no other day but today! Get happy and stay strong! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/18/07
24/7
My schedule doesn't jive most of the time with my family and my friends. It can be a source of contention which is why being patient, flexible and understanding is what I wish for them to be with me. Sarcastic remarks and negative vibes to make your point that you don't get enough time to spend with me, won't make me want to spend any time with you! Capisci? All I'm trying to say is that the music business is not 9 to 5! It's 24 hours a day/7 days a week and it works fine for me! So if you love me and you don't try to change me cuz I like who I am and what I'm doing.. then just hang in there because if you're special to me I will always do my best to make time!! I try. Hope your day rocks and rolls along without any punches! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/17/07
Blessings
The weather outside is a biting cold with some fresh snow covering the ground. But no matter....I'm jumping up and down with excitement, dancing and listening to the compilation CD that my song "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" is on! I posted a photo of it in the VIP section! Also I posted it as a blog on my myspace if you'd like to take a look there too! I'm hanging it on the Christmas tree for now (Merry Christmas to me! haha) and then it's getting framed, as I am just as proud of this accomplishment as I am of my EP, "the Way You Look At Me", and my full length CD, "Mirror"! Wow! Wow! Wow! Next maybe my songs could end up on some movie soundtracks! hehe I am so blasted pumped to record more songs with my producer! We never stop planning the next big hit so it's just a matter of time! Stay happy and many blessings to all of you on this fine Sunday! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/16/07
Blast Off
If Dena won't come to the party then bring the party to Dena! haha That's how it went last night! My friends popped over bearing presents and cake for a combination belated birthday and early Christmas party! Hense the cake read...Merry Birthday and Happy Christmas! It was spontanious and fun for sure! Today I'm back on the myspace wagon hoping to see the same numbers that skyrocketed yesterday to an all time high of over 14,500 total plays for the day! I took a picture of my computer for proof to make sure it wasn’t a dream! haha Well I'm very glad my Christmas gift of song was appreciated like it was! Thanks to everyone for showing their love back to me too! I hope your Saturday turns out to be a blast whatever you do! But always...keep it real! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/15/07
Human Touch
Wouldn't you know it...I've got the sniffles and watery eyes so I'm beginning to think I'm wasting my money on Airborne! so yeah... my work got cancelled for tonight, which is fine, since I'm under the weather. My myspace is kicking butt since I posted the Christmas song and I have to say...thanks to everyone who gets it! I am soo happy you love it as much as I do! My friends keep texting me suggesting I pick a time to get together to exchange our Christmas presents since I'm the hardest one to pin down. haha It's tough I know! Now it's way past breakfast time and I really need get out of my PJ's and join the living! Lately my computer has been attached to me and it's time I interacted with the humans! hahaha Thanks for stopping by and come again! Make your day rock & roll! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/14/07
Snow Day
It's picture perfect outside, like a Hallmark Card, with all the beautiful snow falling right now! The kind of snow I love to have falling on Christmas Eve and then wake up snowed in on Christmas Day all nice and cozy! I know it sucks for travelers but when nature takes over like this it's best to stay put and enjoy it! Life goes on no matter what but for me today...I will work my magic from my laptop while singing Christmas songs to my cat! haha Wrapping presents would be fun to do today while watching "White Christmas" with Bing Crosby! I love that movie! UPS and FED EX have made daily stops at my house with packages for me so I have a ton of wrapping to do too! hehe I hope your day rocks your socks! I'm gonna be keeping it real in da house! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/13/07
Christmas Song For YOU On My HomePage
Woo Hoo!!! You can now download my Christmas song here off my homepage! Just right click and then select "save target as" or "save link as". It's my gift for you this Christmas! I'm still feeling high from the awesome news about being on a compilation CD to be played over 700 radio stations in Europe! The one person that I wished to celebrate with is my producer and partner in music and we haven't had the opportunity yet! My family and closest friends shared my great news but it's not the same! This won't be the last exciting opportunity we will get! I just want to say how much I appreciate EVERYONE for their loyalty, love and support! Rock on!!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/12/07
AWESOME NEWS!!!!!
Word is that my song, "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow", is on a compilation CD with some of the biggest pop & and dance tunes from the biggest artists! A dream come true for me to be on attached to artists such as Britney Spears, Annie Lennox, Nelly, Duran Duran and more! You will find me listed here at CD Pool so check it out and BELIEVE IT!!!! I was in the pet store shopping for Christmas presents for my cat when I got the call last night! It doesn't get anymore real then that when I say alot is happening for me behind the scenes! It's always about my music for me and keeping it business as usual here at home because that's what I'm about! and like CD Baby mail always says when another CD of mine is sold..."Break out the champagne!" haha I hope your day is KILLER KOOL! Thanks! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/11/07
Nails
I started my morning with a manicure and a pedicure appointment! Every time I get a treat like this I promise myself I will make it one of my priorities to have it done more often then once or twice a year. I am not a nail person at all, in fact, I bite my nails but it just feels soo darn good to have someone rub my hands and feet! I know my toes will be covered up with socks and boots this time of year but it’s kinda like how I feel about wearing Victoria Secret under my jeans and sweatshirts..nobody sees em but me but I feel soooo fine! I must mention the fabulous massage chair I sat in while being worked on! woo hoo haha Yesterday I went to a Christmas get-together with the people I work with and my date was my mom! We had a really nice time and they played my CD "Mirror" for background music. It created quite an interest from everyone including people at the bar that were not a part of our little group! Signing autographs is such a compliment…even when they say…I’m gonna hang onto this so when you’re famous I can sell it on ebay! hahaha Alrighty…hope your day rocks out! I’ve got much to do here! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/10/07
My Christmas Gift To You
I recorded my rendition of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" and it's available as a free download to all my fans! This is my special gift for each and everyone of you this year! I really hope you enjoy it! It was a last minute thought on my part as the season for giving got nearer when you consider that most artists record their holiday music in the summer or even earlier! But thanks to my awesome producer and his goodwill (and some special scheduling), he thought it would be cool! Don't you just love gifts that keep on giving....forever and ever! Music has always been that for me! Priceless! If you are a "myspace user" then you can download it off my music player right now at www.myspace.com/denamusic . Soon it will be available here on my homepage. So keep checking back!!! Thanks sooo much for all your love and support! Have a songfull Sunday! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/09/07
Extra Effort
My grandma gave me a 3’ artificial Christmas tree to put up in my place that she is no longer going to use. What fun Im having, decorating my own space for the holidays, Dena style! I was invited to go see the play, "A Christmas Carol", last night and it was so good! I knew several of the actors in the play, having acted with them in my past life, (haha) and afterwards they asked me to join their group for eats and drinks! This afternoon I have some Christmas shopping plans with my dad and later I’ll be having one of my best friends over for some belated birthday fun! Since I didn’t have a special birthday party this year with all my friends at once, they have individually hit me up one at a time when our schedules allowed! It’s pretty sad how pulled we all are in different directions but as long as we make that extra effort sooner or later, it really is the thought that counts. I will try to carry that warm holiday spirit with me wherever I go and I hope you can too! Peace. xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/08/07
Under the W
It’s hard to describe my mood today but I do know it’s not the best. It will be a challenge to push through to the happy side but if anyone can do it, it’s me! Like a bad habit you have to replace it with something else, so let the games begin! Last night I put on my favorite holiday music and decorated the family Christmas tree pretty much by myself for over 3 hours and that definitely kept my mind off of the business side of things that swirl around me and my music career. I'm gonna mix my day up today with a little bit of everything from laundry, cleaning, banking, myspace, singing, piano and anything that will distract my busy brain of all those unanswered questions that start with a W! haha Who? What? When? Where? and Why? So my Wishful thinking is that We all have a Wild, Whacky, and Wicked happy Weekend...starting now! haha xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/07/07
My House Is Alive With The Sound Of Music!
I woke up to the sound of my own music playing loudly downstairs and thought my mom was throwing a party without me! haha So when I finally ventured down the stairs, there was my beautiful grandma here for a visit! She of course wanted to hear the latest Dena music hot off the press and she has to hear it loud! She gives great hugs and always has something funny to say that is intended to be serious but never is! haha Soon as she parted and I ate some breakfast I sat down at the piano for a 1.5 hours! haha I have my song "Taken" stuck in my head right now and keep humming it over and over. Maybe because I played it last on the piano and the fact that it is hooky! ok, back to the music zone people! Have a killer day! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/06/07
OOOO LA LA LA
YaY!! The new song is complete! It's off to mastering and now we wait! This song will be going on the European release of "Mirror" and I'm so excited for that!!! I will have a bit more time for rehearsing with my new guitar player for my acoustic sets so that's cool. Today though I have to hit up the part time job for a few hours. Gotta have that extra $ for the extra spending at holiday time! haha I'm trying to multi-task before I leave so nothing important is left at loose ends. Hope your hump day is rockin' and your smile is genuine! :-) xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/05/07
Blizzard
A snow blizzard passed through last night and there were warnings to stay off the road soooo I put my snow shoes on and then asked my dad to drive me to the studio! haha (I'm kidding about the snowshoes) It was just really icy and slick and dangerous to drive in! Stopping for the red lights was not an option just like not going into the studio was not an option. I told ya my producer and I were unstoppable! Not even a blizzard can stop us from getting it done! This work ethic we both share is why we are as successful as we have been! I'm not sure if you can be taught that but wanting something so much is a great motivator! Not sure if another storm is coming but no matter cuz I will be mixing at the studio! Voice lesson day for me and I look forward to that as always! Peace be with you today! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/04/07
No Haterz Please
"I believe what is authentic, peaceful and creative will continue to grow more pervasive. And anything that is negative, deceptive or destructive will eventually consume and obliterate itself." So says -- R. Marston And if I didn't agree with his statement then I wouldn't post it here! Look...I don't wear a halo...ok maybe I do, but it's definitely tilted! I'm in a learning curve with life but one thing for sure is I don't waste my time seeking out things to step on and even if I could I wouldn't. Come on people...find the good and stop complaining that life dealt you a shitty hand and stop kicking the cat! haha ok I'm busy today with rehearsing and studio later! Try to have a hater free Monday! haha xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/03/07
We Will Not Settle for Good Enough
Last night I was in the studio till the wee hours of the morning, and every second was worth it. Like anything else, recording can be a tough and an emotional process, but the end result will always be worth it. I'm a perfectionist and my producer is a perfectionist so we will not settle for "ok" or "good enough". It must be killer and of course it is! Today is my day off but I have a list of things to do and I really wanted to catch some family time and maybe watch a movie! hehe We have bitter temps and snow so it's a good day to drink hot chocolate and sit tight! Everyone have a toasty warm and restful Sunday!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/02/07
December Flurries
Yay! It snowed on the first day of December! It wasn't much more then a blast of flurries, enough to make everything white but sooo pretty! I had to go into work for a few hours early this morning. I'm feeling a need to nap now. I do have dinner plans with my sweet friend Melissa before I go into the studio later. It's crunch time for getting my parts done with the new song and then the rest is up to my producer. But he loves what he does, just like me, so even though the stress levels are up, it's absolutely positive! Well have a great evening whatever you decide to do! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
12/01/07
~ Past Journal Entries ~
Sept. '08
Aug. '08
July '08
June '08
May '08
April '08
March '08
January '08
Nov. '07
October '07
Sept. '07
August '07
June '07
May '07
April '07
March '07
February '07
January '07
