Feel What I Feel Always Love and Music, ~Dena ~ Ice was everywhere outside my window this morning! By the time I woke up the news reports said there had been a ton of car accidents from the freezing rain and to stay off the roads. So that pretty much meant I wasn't going anywhere. I have my vocal lesson to go to later, but luckily I don't have to travel far. I put in more piano practice today and it was tough too cuz of all the interruptions in the house. I just wish I could be totally alone when I'm working so nothing can take me out of focus unless I want it to. My team is working hard taking care of business today all while I attempt to stay in my zone. I do have one special fan in Sweden that personally wrote me and sent me money for my CD and autographed picture.! How wicked cool is that?!! Well people, stay warm but be cool! xoxo Always Love and Music, ~Dena ~
It's the last day of January '08! Where, oh where, did this month go? Why does time seem to be flying by faster then ever? We are always in a hurry too. When I hear someone say, oh that happened 10 years ago, but to me it seemed more like 2 years, then I'm feeling like I'm in a time warp! I try not to waste my time but what does that mean really? Who is to say that watching the clouds float by, or watching the snow falling out my window, or just simple daydreaming is a waste of time? I'd actually like to take a car ride where I'm not rushing in traffic to get somewhere. Ya know what I mean? Anyways, last night my band really stepped up at practice and I feel it getting tighter. Joe, my lead guitar player and I have extra practices scheduled together, simply because he is also my acoustic guitar player. I am lucky to have these talented and dedicated guys in my band! They all do other things besides so their commitement is great BUT they also see the bigger picture! Trust me...not everyone does. Well, rock your final day of the month and get ready for a super cool February! I am! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena ~
1/31/08
Out and About
I was up early today to take my grandma to another doctor's appointment and she treated me out to breakfast! We rocked the morning together hitting up some stores too and now I'm back in the house! It's a windy day and my hair is madd wavy today so it didn't matter that it was flying around like crazy! And most important, I didn't blow away! haha I'm feeling a nap coming on after all that fresh air. I think I shall rest up for the band practice I'm having later. I'm really looking forward to that. Keep it real and everyone be sweet! xoxo
1/30/08
ICE
1/29/08
Yesterday I was basically in sleep mode. I chilled with my kitty cat a lot and I stayed in my cute VS lounging pajama's all day! My laptop was on constant standby just waiting for my gentle touch to get active. Occasionaly I did wake it up to check email and work myspace! haha Really though, I sang early on in the day and I made time to do my taxes with my dad's help in the afternoon. Much later I caught a netflix movie with my mom so basically it was a family day with a side of singing and networking! Today is straight up practicing piano and singing every song of mine and that starts right after I tell you all to have a great day! Have a great day everyone! hehe xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena ~
1/28/08
A Child's Eyes
Another week is past us and it's time to start all over again. I look at every Sunday as a time to rest and reflect on what happened during the past week and also what I need to tackle for the next. I know I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I'm ready to go in for the kill. I had such a great time yesterday meeting all those young kids. Believe it or not they are a big part of what inspires me. I can be my own worst enemy at times, but when a young fan looks at you with those adoring eyes, you can feel the innocense and the truth behind them. Maybe they see something that I don't? They aren't judging you and they certainly aren't old enough yet to know how to put up a front. If they tell you, "I'm your biggest fan", they aren't just saying that, they mean it. Children are so pure and see the world with an open mind and open heart. Imagine if we all did that, what a differen't world it would be. Unfortunately that isn't how it is, but for me personally I always hope to see the world through a child's eyes. I'm never gonna stop dreaming, because dreaming is the first step to achieving. Hope everyone has a restful and joyful Sunday. xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena ~
1/27/08
Meet And Greet
My horoscope today read this... You're in a great position to meet new people. Find fun places and people, and let yourself go. Celebrate you and show the world your gifts. Guaranteed, someone interesting is watchin you! Well that is exactly what I did today! I had so much fun this afternoon at the meet and greet! I love little kids so I was in heaven! I signed lots and lots of autographs, took some pics with fans, and I even got presents from two little girls! I believe today is the first day a fan has ever given me a present and I'm truly flattered. I also got to do some cool promo banter over the intercom with the DJ, play some songs off my new record while the kids skated plus they showed my videos up on the big screens! Overall the crowd was very welcoming and I thank everyone who came out and showed their support! I'm looking forward to the next meet and greet on Feb. 16th and then my concert on the 21st! I hope if you're reading this and you live in the area that you plan to be there!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena ~ Always Love and Music, ~Dena~ Always Love and Music, ~Dena~ I'm able to catch my breath, if only for a minute, and tell you that I now have a finished, amazing, electric, updated video of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow"! Wow! I thought the original video was pretty cool but now I can't wait for you to see the new, really awesome changes! Some VERY important people must see it first so it's on hold for public viewing. Meanwhile, as always, it's business as usual for me. A lil later on I have some hand holding to do as I offered to take my beautiful grandma to the specialist and be with her as she gets a needle in her eye! My mom faints at the thought of it and can't go with her, haha, and I am not squeamish at all. Well I need to get my shine on and work on my music before the day slips away as it seems to do. Do it up sweet, rock it hard and don't waste a minute! Woo Hoo!!! xoxo I've gotta say I'm glad it's Sunday. I'm feeling a lil bit tired today so I'm looking forward to some R & R at my great aunt's house today. She is making homemade sauce so I'm gonna really take advantage of that! I mean I used to get my grandma's homemade sauce every Sunday, and now I'm lucky to get it once or twice a year! It's the Italian in me! I'll plan on working it off later! It's gonna be a crazy day though for sure since I have business matters to take care of as well with my team!! That's right, no days off when your in the music business!! hehe Gotta love it! Ok I've got to run now! Hope you get some R & R time today too!! xoxo
1/26/08
Stuff
I'm always in prep and anticipating the next thing I have coming up and tomorrow it's a "meet and greet" at Skate Estate from noon to approx. 3 PM! It should be very entertaining to hang out with the kids while they skate around me! haha (fyi....I can't and won't be skating) It's the first of 2 meet and greets on my schedule to help promote my show on Feb. 21st at the Skate Estate Family Fun Center! I'm not gonna rush myself but I do have a busy day ahead and I want to get right on it. Hopefully your Friday will be freakin' awesome! xoxo
1/25/08
Tools
Ever hear the expression what you fear you create? No it's not from the bible...haha....good old Dr. Phil mentioned it on his show and I really thought about it. I battle some fears that I'd like to conquer and understanding this very phrase makes it all so clear that I need to stop giving power to my fears. It also helped me see how other peoples fears can affect me in a negative way too. I love realizing shiz like this! It's so empowering. This is why I love the SAW movies. There is so much depth and meaning to them. The tools that can save my life are the same for everyone... knowledge, listening and understanding! Listen to your teachers. They aren't always found in a classroom either. Have a thoughtful day and get a clue! haha xoxo
1/24/08
Sailing
I'm just riding the waves today! It's smooth sailing at the moment so I'm just gonna enjoy it. I feel like the new improved Dena, after getting my hair done yesterday. It was just the pick-me-up I needed after stressing and sweatin' some big things for weeks! I couldn't wait to watch SAW 4 last night (6th time) but it was the directors cut. I get more and more out of it each time I watch it. Then the coolest part was the "special features", Darren's Video Diary! Tooooo funny! It's just the kind of movie set I would love to be on! Call me nuts if you want but hey, that's me! Bloody sweet! While my new video is crossing the ocean at this very moment headed for France and Japan, I will be keeping it real here in my hometown. Best! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
1/23/08
Freeeee-zing!!!
It's bitter cold outside and last night I was really feeling it, even under the covers! Well, it's no wonder because when I woke up with chattering teeth, blue lips and shivering like the woman in SAW III that was hanging in the freezer with cold water spraying on her till she froze to death (now that's cold!!!) I found out the funance wasn't workin. I had to get up early anyway for a hair appointment so while I was gone the repair man came to fix us up with heat! Speaking of SAW...SAW 4 was released today on DVD and of course I picked that up before I returned to my cocoon. I'll be working here until my voice lesson and then not sure about afterwards! Rock it like it's hottt everyone! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
1/22/08
It's Electric!!!
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
1/21/08
R & R Time
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
1/20/08
Under The Gun
I had rehearsal with my acoustic guitar player last night and he is very pro and has learned my songs really quickly! It's very satisfying to get work done like that and without drama. We know the drill and we get it done! I put in 3 quick hours at the JOB today and have nothing scheduled for next week and that sucks come paycheck time. I'm waiting on a very important special delivery (my updated video of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?") for which I must have multiple copies made (ASAP) and then get it to the VIP's overnight! hahaha Say your prayers!!! I'm trying to be facetious but really not! I'm under the gun here! Alrighty...hope your weekend it rockin'! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
1/19/08
Keeping em' crossed!
I can honestly say this week was very stressful. But with a lot of faith, prayer, and help from my "team", it's ending up on a positive note! Sometimes you gotta just let go of the wheel and let God work his magic! Having said that, I'm feeling quite motivated and enthusiastic about my life right now. I guess I just have to accept there will be rough days and even weeks now and then no matter what. Not sure if I need to but I'm keeping my fingers, toes, arms, legs, eyes, and everything else I can, crossed! haha I feel very lucky and I'm feeling big things are on the way! Some new song ideas/lyrics have entered my brain...finally and with my song writing partner I'm sure these ideas will take shape and become great songs someday! An angel once said..."if you can dream it, you can achieve it!" hehe Hope you have a killer weekend!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
1/18/08
I recently joined ReverbNation as an artist because this music site allows fans, to capture my ReverbNation link and post the music player with my songs (or just your favorite one) that I have up on their own personal sites...such as MySpace, Facebook, Blogger, etc!! It's wicked cool! Look in Widgets and Banners for what you need! I also have it posted in my link section if you ever want to just see all the cool sites I'm connected with! So check it out! Other things going on are pretty intense but out of my control. The powers that be only tell me what's what on a need to know basis! haha I'm seeing a good friend of mine before he leaves for China tomorrow! He will be doing some promotion for me there which is cool! I hope soon my attitude increases from good to great! I truly wish that your day is already great! Let's look at the glass as half full anyways! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
1/17/08
Dance With My Father
My day began with a funeral. I sang a special song before mass called Dance With My Father, requested by my cousin and dedicated to her father, may he rest in peace. There is nothing better then singing in church with an awesome sound system and the feeling that God is all around. I was missing my halo but it's okay because the priest told me I had the voice of an angel. I have returned home to write to you before I meet up with the family again for lunch. I love the bonding with the extended family that seldom happens anymore. I have much on my mind and my heartaches a lil bit but it's okay. Everyone please be happy where you are and make it a great day! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
1/16/08
Spilling Over
Busy_ness! yeah now I understand where business comes from. Clearly there is not enough time in one day to do it all so whatever didn't get done yesterday spills over and makes me twice as busy now today...and so on! I was asked to sing at my Uncle's funeral tomorrow and it's a song I am not very familiar with. I am taking the time now to learn it and as unexpected as this came up, it's very important! Other stuff which is in the hands of others and trusting them to get it done is causing me a brain ache. oh wait....that is what my producer is suffering with..but again...it spills over! Keeping my head up and digging my heels in to make things happen for the good of all concerned! So it goes....have an awesome day and if anything spills over for you I hope it's......
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~ xoxo
1/15/08
Sunscreen
I've said it before and I'll say it again...our lives are really like a rollercoaster ride. Just when you're at the top and feeling that high, there is a sudden drop. At that low point you know with a little bit of effort you can get back on top. Most of the time we're somewhere in the middle though. I mean would a rollercoaster be as fun if it only went straight the whole time? Our ups and downs are what make life interesting and in my opinion, it's what makes the ride all worth while. Then there is the unexpected twists and turns! Some good and some frightening. Every situation, every experience you have, shapes the person you are, whether you realize it or not. I know my life isn't perfect, but whose is? I believe that we all feel the same things at some point in our lives. Joy, pain, love, heartache, victory, loss...well, you know where I'm going with this. There is this song that came out about 10 years ago called "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)", by Baz Luhrmann. I pull it out to listen to maybe once or twice a year when I feel I need some good advice. If you haven't heard it, look it up. I think you'll definitely learn something from it. Alrighty, well I've got much to accomplish so I hope have a wonderful Monday! And remember... enjoy the ride! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
1/14/08
Mu·si·cian - a person who makes music a profession, esp. as a performer of music.
Another fun night in the studio last night. We worked on "spots" for my gig at Skate Estate coming up on Feb. 21st and one of the guys there helped add a little flavor to the mix. Well, let me tell you, we had some awesome bloopers, to the point we were nearly on the floor crying from laughing so hard! hahaha They definitely came out cool though! Today I'm getting out and doing some more promo stuff. No days off in the music business! haha But hey....why would I want a day away from something I love?! I wear many hats these days... so yeah, hope you're relaxin' and groovin' on some Dena music! All the best to you! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
1/13/08
New Beginning
Last night I had an awesome first rehearsal with my new guitar player! He his really pro and I'm excited to work with him! We worked a long time and got more accomplished than I thought we would. In the meantime, my main sound guy for the all the big shows I do, stopped into the studio and had some pretty cool news. (Well at least I thought so, haha) He said he had just mixed sound for a few Clay Aiken shows recently and being a big Clay Aiken fan myself, I was quite excited! If only I had known sooner...I could've had him hook me up! I worked the JOB for only a few hours today and for some reason I'm a bit tired, so maybe a nap is in order. If I can find the time that is! Okay, I've got to go! Be cool! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~ I've been getting fan mail from all over the world recently and I'm pretty amazed by it! The feedback for my music is beyond awesome and from places I've never thought twice about outside the bubble I've lived in FOR - LIKE - EVER!! From Portugal, Italy, Finland, Japan, Sweden, India...the list goes on and on. It means my music has reached far beyond the greater Binghamton area and my fan base is growing. I am so grateful to my producer and I totally believe it was God's divine plan to bring "US" together. When we work together, we click like the most delicate handcrafted timepiece ever made! So we are very careful who to let in and who to trust! Few make it past the proving ground. haha I want a singing career...not a one hit wonder deal either. I've been warned that I will be working harder then ever and I'm ready for it! So back to practicing piano now for me. What are you doing? Hope it’s what makes you happy! xoxo Always Love and Music, ~Dena~ I knew it was a just matter of time before I started writing about how big a fan I am of Criss Angel! I recently started reading his book MINDFREAK Secret Revelations and found myself seeing a ton of similarities between us. I thought there was a rock star under the Criss Angel bling and magic act! haha This excerpt from his book is interesting, very telling and very truthful. "I always understood that music was a f*cked up industry. I've heard nightmare stories from friends who have record deals about not getting paid earned royalties by record companies that were ripping them off. I think the only career more difficult to be successful in than music must be politics- though I'll never know. Looking back, I am so glad I didn't get a record contract when I was younger. I would have been a flash in the pan. I would've had my fifteen minutes of fame, and then-well, I'm not sure. There was never really another option. Magic was my calling." So having read that, I am lucky to know music IS my calling AND I do not have a plan B to fall back on. There is no other option for me! mwahahahahha Criss Angel would have made it big selling umbrella's on a sunny day because he has the "IT" factor! I can't wait to meet him! Are you ready? Okay...have a musical and magical day! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~ Did I say yesterday that time was on my side? Maybe I spoke a little too soon, haha. I feel like I have so much to get done, but the hours just pass by so much faster than I would like them to. At times I wish there were no such thing as clocks, but I know we need them to have order in our lives. Imagine it though. No clocks, no days, no months, or years. Everything would blend together without names or dates attached to them. Time really would be an illusion and things like your age wouldn't matter because there would be no track of how many years you were alive. You would just be. Pretty cool, huh? Well anyway, I like being a busy person and I like order. I have lots to plan for, work toward, and improve upon each day. I think that with the little time in each day we do have, we can at least do something that makes us better human beings, right?! So I guess I should get on that while you think about what you're gonna do with the time you have today! Hope it's a great one! xoxo Always Love and Music, ~Dena~ Always Love and Music, ~Dena~ Always Love and Music, ~Dena~ Yesterday I got back in the zone and went through all my songs, played piano, worked on myspace as usual and exercised. Not all at the same time of course. haha Yes, yes, it feels good to be back on schedule. The holidays are awesome but they interrupt my state of flow for working in every sense but I guess maybe that is the point. I just know I feel better when I know I've done something each day to improve myself in some way or another. Last night after an awesome Chinese food dinner, I watched WSKG to see my segment. I thought it came off really well and I loved the way they intertwined me singing and talking. I'll give ya the link to go watch it! ok Back to work! Have a freakin' fabulous Friday! xoxo Check it out here!! http://www.wskg.org/expressions/index.htm Always Love and Music, ~Dena~ Starting @ 8:00 PM tonight, on WSKG TV, a new arts show called, "Expressions: Art & Soul of the Southern Tier" is premiering and I will be one of the featured guests. It was recorded live at The Cyber Cafe in Binghamton, NY a while back where I sang with other talented artists! I haven't seen it yet so I have my fingers crossed it's as awesome as I thought it went the night I performed! I also did an interview afterwards at WSKG so I'm anticipating some of that to be incorporated in tonight's piece. It was an awesome opportunity and if you have never heard me sing live then this would be your chance to see and hear me in the comfort of your home! Thanks to the ones involved for letting me get my shine on and my awesome fans that keep asking for more Dena! Tune in tonight! For me it's channel 7! Have an awesome day everyone! xoxo It's 2008! See what I see and it will be great! For the curious I ended 2007 with my parents enjoying a prime rib dinner! Then I brought the New Year in bowling with friends! haha A toast with champagne to the ball dropping in NYC (watched on the TV) and then back to dropping the bowling pins (score! yeah right!) It was a blast hanging out with my best friend, her man and then a bunch of complete strangers! No really it was a fun time and uber geeky, squeaky clean fun and that's what I'm all about! Like I've always said....fun is what you make it! Hope your 2008 is off to a great start! xoxo
1/12/08
I've Got Mail! :-)
1/11/08
Criss Angel
1/10/08
The Illusion Of Time
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
1/09/08
Time Is On My Side
We are having odd weather for this time of year and it's unseasonably warm. I didn't even wear a coat yesterday and I won't need one today either! It makes me want to walk outside and then throw open the windows and start spring cleaning! In fact, I found a bee in a drunkin state on my bedroom floor and my cat was watching it. I hate bugs and the one good thing about freezing temps is there are no bugs! haha My music player on myspace is acting whack and not showing any plays so far today and yet I have tons of comments and friend requests. It just doesn't add up. It's not something I have control over so can't worry about it! One thing I do have control over is my time and it's time to get movin'! Hope your day is smashing, baby! xoxo
1/08/08
Pretty Feeling
Errands day today! A lil banking and business to tend to and I need to get going on that. Yesterday was relaxing and fun and now it's Monday and I'm looking forward to a productive week. When it's holiday time I lose that order in my life but now the tiger in me is on the attack! grrrrrrrrrr Gosh I just caught myself in the mirror and it's definitely time to get to the hairdressers! I need to get that "pretty feeling" back! I put it off so long cuz of the cost but hey....I'm worth it! haha Why wait for a special reason, right? JUST DO IT! haha Alrighty...blast off your Monday with smiles for miles and always love & music! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
1/07/08
ICE ICE BABY
I had a late but productive night in the studio getting some promo spots recorded for my Skate Estate gig coming up in Feb. There is still some tweaking to do and more to make but so far so good! My mom is in the thick of designing postcards, flyers and tickets for this show as well! As always she does a pro job! Today I am going with one of my close friends to see the "Disney On Ice" show! It's been years since I saw a show on ice! When I was little I remember begging for ice skating lessons and just before signing up at the last minute I switched my mind to do gymnastics instead! I always wished I had learned how to skate and now I fear breaking my ass if I tried! haha I can't afford that happening now. I'm down for pizza, popcorn and a movie on my laptop later. What will you be doing?! Have a relaxing Sunday people! Be sweet! xoxo
1/06/08
Music Habit
Studio time last night went awesome! There is sooo much to get done...ya know, the fine details! A lot of times it appears I have nothing to show for it but trust me there is some great stuff going on! My street team leader has been on her toes working hard too so I really want to acknowledge how much I appreciate all her hard work and dedication! Thanks girl! I'm getting word that my breakout song, "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow", is doing well in Europe! The radio stations in the BBC are getting great feedback from it and interest is growing! YaY!! I had to work the part time job today since I need the money to support my music habit! haha Now I am home and can do what I do best! SING! haha Hope your day rocks out! xoxo
1/05/08
Back to Basics
1/04/08
*TONIGHT*
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
1/03/08
What Day Is This?
Yesterday felt like a Sunday to me. I was tired from staying up all night for New Years Eve and with everyone home I couldn't shake off that feeling. Now I'm feeling like it's Monday! It's like jet lag! My times are all off. The holidays are over and in hindsight I never should have eaten so many cookies and all those dreaded carbs! I know I'm not alone on this either. So let the diet games begin! (again) haha My New Years Resolution is to keep my faith strong and alive...don’t let anyone steal my dreams...and then…take over the world!!! hahahaha Peace. xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
1/02/08
HAPPY HELLA NEW YEAR!!!
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
1/01/08
~ Past Journal Entries ~
July '08
June '08
May '08
April '08
Feb. '08
Dec. '07
Nov. '07
October '07
Sept. '07
August '07
