Patience is a virtue. That's so right and I was told going into the music business that it would take a lot of hard work, determination and patience to be successful. Ya know, kinda like the story of The Tortoise and The Hare? "Don't brag about your lightning pace, for Slow and Steady won the race!" Sometimes I think children's stories are the best to refer to. They are supposed to teach kids about life in a simple manner, but maybe we can't fully grasp them until we are older. That's what I think anyway. I'm sure you know where I'm going with this. I have accomplished so much more than I thought I could in the past couple years, and when I look back on it, it amazes me. I feel lucky and I know if I just keep moving forward, slow and steady, there is no way I can't win the race! I'm just gonna sit tight and enjoy the ride! Anyone care to join me?! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/31/08
Sweet...like candy
At the new studio, the "Live Room" is pretty much finished and it looks like a box of chocolates! Kit Kat Bars come to my mind or possibly a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup! Either way...it's damn sweet!!! The finishing touches still remain but the new studio is delicious! A lounge has to be created yet but the most important stuff comes first! Last night JJ McCabe came in to track guitar on my new song and man he "killed" it in no time at all! PRO BABY! Well, my morning daydreaming time ended at 12:01 PM and now it's time to do something fun in real time! Hmmm I wonder what that could be?! haha Tune in tomorrow to find what happened in the pink e house of Dena! haha Have a blast everyone! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/30/08
In and Out
I made a brief appearance at a birthday party for a relative last night before heading into the studio! With my schedule it's lucky for me if I can get there at all! I ended up working late at the mansion and then had to get up early to go to my job this morning! Been gone all day but now I'm finally back in the house! I'm hungry and there's nothing good to eat so I'm munching on fishy crackers! I thought I'd better drop a hello here to all of you before the whole day passes by! Not sure yet what my schedule is tonight as of yet....oh wait (ring ring)...call just came in and I'm working in the studio tonight! All I can think of at this moment is food!!!! So bring on the feedbag and I'll be out again! haha I hope your weekend is going well and everyone is happy! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/29/08
My Second Home
I have no idea where this week went. Ugh, the way time flies by so fast, drives me crazy. When I was in school, I wanted time to fly cause the faster the weekend got here, the better. Now, it's like slooooow down baby!! haha Well tonight I'm looking forward to band practice in the studio. It's like my second home and it's where creative minds and awesome talent come together! We write songs there, record, mix, practice and sometimes just shoot the bull there. But it's a happening place and a lot of the time it's more than just one thing going on. There are other bands and artists, and VIP's I get to meet. Usually they are leaving when I'm arriving, but sometimes I do get to hear them tracking and I'm able to have one of the first opinion's on whether I think there music is good or not. Vice versa for them with me as well. Of course it's killer because we have the same producer! hahahah Well I have a bunch to accomplish today so I'm about to get busier! Hope your weekend is killer! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/28/08
Dreams & Reality
Last night I had a silly dream that actually made me wake up smiling! Most of my dreams are twisted and make no sense, but this one made me laugh and so that must be a good thing, right?! Sometimes my horoscopes tell me to pay close attention to my dreams because they are trying to tell me something. Hmm...I wonder, but who knows!?! I just find it all very interesting. You might think I've been under house arrest or sick since I haven't left my house in a couple of days. I hate it when my studio time gets cancelled due to circumstances beyond my control and I hate that some people take their studio time for granted and aren't prepared! Oh, and here is a comment I just have to make about that reality show The PussyCat Dolls Presents Girlicious. If I EVER gave attitude and talked back to my producer or vocal coach like Natalie did to Kenn Hicks, it would be THE END! How ungrateful and spoiled she acted and it just annoys me that she was spared elimination. GRRR!! Maybe because it was TV...but in the real world...it would be bye, bye, bye! I really am in a good mood so I'm gonna sing, sing, sing! Hope you all have a Delicious day! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/27/08
Good To Go
I lost track of time while I was practicing piano earlier. (which can be a good thing actually) I don't know where the time went but I looked up and realized 2 hours had flown by! I love when that happens because that means I'm very focused so unless there is a fire, you can't touch this! haha I'm on hold for tonight's plans yet cuz I haven't heard if my guitar player can make practice. I'm good to go...always! Ok keeping this short so I don't lose my momentum with practicing! Have an awesome Wednesday people! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/26/08
Eat A Donut A Day.........
Springtime is here and I'm starting to feel it! Not because it's warming up, but just the whole vibe. I'm eager to start spring cleaning and reorganize my shiz! It will be a job, but to me it's kinda fun! Anyway, I'd like to mention how very proud I am of my team for pulling together to get the remixes done and mailed on time over the holiday weekend! Like I've said before, if we stick together, we're unbeatable!!! So I'm planning to enjoy my day today but getting a lot accomplished at the same time, with an awesome workout with my vocal technician later! Make YOUR day count for something! Or like Hoops and YoYo say..."eat a donut a day and everything's gonna be ok!" haha I love them! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/25/08
Coming Together
Everything & everyone came together this past weekend in a good way. Family, friends, and my music! Timing was key to get my dance remix (x 3) mastered and on it's way to the big guy today! Collectively my core team decided nothing ventured, nothing gained, so let's take a chance! haha I am working at the JOB today so that's coolness! It helps pay the expenses while I'm sitting tight in the middle of this ever-changing music industry. Hope your week is starting out on a positive note too! Stay happy! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/24/08
Last night Lent officially ended, so you know what I did? Pigged out on pasta!! haha My mom, dad, my brothers and their girlfriends all went out to eat at a very nice Italian restaurant for Easter. We went out last night instead of today because my little bro (who is taller then me) is going down to the sunshine state today for week to play baseball. Needless to say, between all the carbs and all the candy I've been taking in between last night and today, I'm feeling rather guilty!! haha It's all good though...I'm gonna enjoy it while I can! However, before and after dinner I was doing music related business! Not sure what is in store for today but I just wish to relax! Tomorrow it's back to work! Hope your holiday is sweet like a peep! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/23/08
Egg-citing Times
Work was interesting since just as I got there the power went out. That lasted for a couple hours and then it was business as usual! I really like my new part time job...well, more specifically I really like the people! Dinner out with my family included my younger brothers girlfriend and she is really sweet! Both my brothers make good choices in women I think. My older brother and his girlfriend are spending Easter with us too and I'm always so happy when they come! Last night I worked in the studio till 2 AM on the same dance mix but another version of it! The attempt is to have 3 versions of the same song! Sooo cool! I hope your Easter weekend is egg-citing!!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~De
3/22/08
It's All In Me
I believe it takes more then just one thing to be a success! It's what you’re made of and how you live! Success is on the inside of us, not the outside. The right attitude when the chips are down and being humble when it's ridiculously great! It's discipline, integrity, and respect, being positive and truthful. So bring on the challenges and you will see the successful fighter in me. True purpose has no deadline so I ask you to please sit tight with me! But first I have to get my smile on and go to work! haha May your Good Friday be really, really good! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/21/08
Harsh
So I'm sitting with my grandma in the eye doctor's waiting room leafing through the March '08 issue of Readers Digest (in large print) and came across an interview with Sheryl Crow. When she was asked in the interview what the affect of having a baby will have on her music career, she replied...."More importantly, how will the record industry, which is suffering because people don't feel they need to pay for music anymore, affect my career?" Now at the same time I'm absorbing this article, the TV in the waiting room set on CNN, was reporting on how Apple Inc. is considering to upend its iTunes business by giving people unlimited free access to the music library IF they're willing to pay more for the iPod and iPhone. I was like ARE YOU F'N KIDDING ME? Talk about the nightmare for all of us independent artists!!!! This is crazy to me! If Sheryl Crow is worried about selling her music then where is the hope for us new artists? Compensation is like non-existent for new artists like myself but I have always looked at it as "paying my dues" for now. Without giving a second thought, people will drop 10 bucks on fast food that they will sh*t out and probaby wish they didn't eat it in the first place or drop it on seeing a movie - one time - or drink a bottle of cheap wine only to piss that out....oh and don't forget you gotta have your smokes...(well you see where I'm going with this)...but you can't justify $10 for a CD that will last forever! ok I need to harness this fire in me and work on my music! hahahaha Be sweet! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/20/08
RocK OuT
Last night I think I spent about 7 hours in the studio working on the remix! Needless to say, all the hard work is worth it! It sounds killer! You have no idea how entertaining it is to see metal guys workin on a dance remix, haha, but I'll keep that one to myself. Tonight we are gonna add the final touches, which sounds a lot easier than it is, but after that it's gotta be sent over to the big man on campus and I'm praying that he loves it! hehe Keep your fingers crossed with me! Today is going fast already considering I woke up late from going to bed so early in the morning. Does that make sense? haha I'm gonna try and catch up on Idol now from last night and then rehearse before I go into the studio later to practice with my band. Hope your day is Rockin'! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/19/08
And The Beat Goes On and On and On
Well I don't know about you but I'm happy! No particular reason either. I stayed in last night after a lovely dinner with the parentals! My producer was working on my remix with another producer all night long and I would have loved to been there listening to all the cuss words flying! haha These 2 Metal guys had to go home with a headache from listening to dance beats for hours! The reverse would be true if I had to listen to Metal for hours! haha Now tonight I get to put my 2 cents in and this is totally my element! I have a voice lesson which I always enjoy! And snow and sleet is in the forecast but whatever! The beat goes on baby! Be brilliant! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/18/08
Happy St. Patty's Day
I know it's Monday but that definitely won't stop anyone from celebrating St. Patrick's Day that is Irish or just loves the Irish! haha While all you Irish babies are out partying tonight, my Italian booty will be rehearsing or possibly in the studio working! I'm excited for everyone to hear something new from me since the last new song I had up was my Christmas song for the holidays! Like I've mentioned before, I have lots of songs in the can ready to breathe life into. But one newly mastered song will be going up on myspace soon called "No Other Day". It's rockin' and it's on the European version of "Mirror" which will also be available soon! We shall see about some new and different pictures going up as well! Have a great Day-O! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~ Last night I went to check out a venue that I was asked to play at. It looks promising that I will be singing there, but we shall see. Today is gonna be an extremely busy day! All I can say is I'll be work, work, working! Start the new job this afternoon and tonight in the studio it's gonna be a lo00oo00o0ong one, but I'm looking forward to it. When I was writing and recording "Mirror" that was how it was pretty much every night of the week. I miss that! I could be there up to 8 hours a night! haha Anyway, tonight on the other hand it's all about the dance remix! Anyone who really knows me, knows how much I love to dance, so this is another dream come true of mine. Now to share it with the rest of the world then everything will be purrrfect!!! hehe Hope everyone has an awesome Saturday! xoxo
3/17/08
My cat and I are a little bit out of sync today. I think because I was gone all day and night yesterday and he missed me. It's either that or he has been hanging with a bad crowd while I was away! haha I'll make it up to him today for sure! He's 10 years old this month and basically sleeps all day but he is my companion. He sings with me! He listens to my stories and doesn't tell! And he puts up with my constant squeezes! I <3 my cat! Anyways, I have a list of to-do's in front of me to check off but I find myself feeling lazy. It is Sunday afterall, so I've got that maybe I will, maybe I won't feeling. But ALWAYS my number one focus, right down to every decision I make for myself, from the minute I wake up, till the time I go to bed, is my music. Music is my love, my boyfriend and my life! And if you understand that...then you get me! Make your day rock! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/16/08
Working Girl
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/15/08
What's New?
I've been giving it some thought about freshening up my music sites just a tad...maybe with some new photos and music! I have to talk it over with my people to see if it can be done cuz I do not make major changes without permission and my camp has to be in agreement. Today, I'm excited about picking up the new car that I'll end up driving the most of anyone in my family even though it's my dads! It's a great fit for me (tiny) and he let me pick the color. haha My producer is getting everything in place to do a dance remix of one of my songs and I can't wait to be called into the studio to lend my ear and learn as much as I can! One day I hope to produce as well as write and sing and it will happen! There is no place I'd rather be then making music!!! Once that bug bit me...it was true love! haha Well my friends...have a fun Friday whatever you do! My weekend is pretty much scheduled to the last minute and busy is not just a word! Best! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/14/08
YES
Today I wanna catch the beginning of the Yankee's Spring Training Game because comedienne Billy Crystal is playing today! It's a 60th birthday present to him from Derek Jeter and it should be fun and interesting! He said he wanted to be the DH but not Designated Hitter but the Designated Hebrew! hahahaha Duh! Band practice rocked last night with a side of acoustic too. Then listened to some remixes for ideas for my song! We need to get on that hot and heavy cuz we have a deadline in place! Deadlines are exciting for me cuz it pushes all the right buttons to get it done! Intense! Say yes everyone!!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/13/08
The Orchard
I've been feeling extra fierce since Monday and when this happens I wish I could bottle it for those times when I'm not so much! My producer and I decided we want to take one of my songs and make it into a dance remix. This is a new undertaking and I'm pumped! Nothing ventured, nothing gained, they say! Just to let you know too, that I have received confirmation from Brookside Records, that the new DENA album, "Mirror" is being processed by The Orchard, to be then forwarded to the various download sites, iTunes, etc. I'll post those links as soon as I have them! Woo Hoo! Tonight I have rehearsal with my band! Another Woo Hoo!!! Alrighty then, back to work for me! Sparkle everyone! xoxo Sept. '08
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/12/08
Soak Up The Sun
I'm love, love, lovin' the sunshine! There is so much truth to how the sun affects our mood. When it's gloomy out it's so hard for me to be motivated. Spring is right around the corner and I'm looking forward to longer days and warmer nights. This summer, one of my goals is to learn how to swim. I've got the bikini so that's a start! haha I picked up a new part-time job and I am so excited to start earning some extra $$$ again. Money = More Shopping! haha ok I can't help it...I'm a girl! Anywho, I'm feeling quite lucky right now for some reason. Good things ahead and I can feel them coming! I have lots of rehearsing to do today with a voice lesson too! Sheryl Crow's song comes to my mind..."Gonna Soak Up The Sun", but for now I have to do that from my window! Peace xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/11/08
Fierce
It seems a few people were concerned about me after reading yesterday's journal entry. I do appreciate that, however I assure you not to worry. I'm not angry, or sad, or mad or anything in between...I'm just trying to think smarter that's all. Today I need to get back on the music train full speed ahead. Last week I eased into it and now that I feel completely back to normal, I need to really push. Gotta get my voice, mind, body, and piano fingers back in to shape. A lot of people don't realize that vocal cords are muscles and you have to "work them out" and stretch them properly to stay in shape. I have a good feeling about this week, so with that said, I gotta go put the F back in Fierce!! hehe Have a rockin' Monday everybody! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/10/08
"I Pretty Much Believe Almost Nothing Of What I Hear and Half Of What I See!" - Criss Angel
No it's nothing magical...it's instinct! Intuition...aka your gut feeling, will take you higher and keep you safer then anything else, as long as you're tuned in! I'm so sick of being fed people's bullshit stories and falling for them as often as I do. I keep making the mistake of believing people come from a place of love, peace and caring, like I do. I've turned my cheek for the last time. The good thing is I feel like I'm growing and learning everyday. Every new person and every new experience is a chance to learn something, not only about life, but also about yourself. I think everyone knows what I'm talking about. Maybe if we all opened our eyes a little wider and let our minds THINK, then maybe we wouldn't be mislead so often. We need to start learning and knowing the truth instead of being told what the truth is, for the truth is not told it is realized! Understando? Have a nice day! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/09/08
Cheers!
I'm pretty sure my older brother doesn't read my journal very often (if at all, haha) but just in case...Happy Birthday Jay! :-) Wish we lived nearer to each other so I could hang with you and Jackie! I know you aren't a cake eater so definitely cheers from me whatever you drink! It's a gloomy day today here in Emptycott, NY. I will be babysitting this afternoon. Tonight possibly studio. Last night's rehearsal with my guitar player was cancelled because he had a gig with his other band. I ended up holed up in my apartment bummin' cuz my plans got axed and to top it off I ended up with chest pains from other unrelated stresses. We all have our demons, right?! Thank God I know how to beat them down! haha Hope your weekend kicks ass and your demons are running scared! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/08/08
Let It Be
Many things we experience in life don't make sense. Like a weird dream or senseless death. Human nature is to question why? But do we really need to understand everything? I don't think so. Good or bad....I want to embrace life and new things and not fear the unknown because it's truth will reveal itself eventually! My faith keeps it all in perspective and I lack for nothing. Just let it be what it is!! Live right, stay strong and be happy! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/07/08
YO!
A nice birthday lunch out with my dad yesterday, a quick stop to apply for a J-O-B, a visit to see my grandpop in the nursing home and then another productive night in the studio! Today my management is trying to line up some gigs and sending out promo stuff while I'm taking care of emails and myspace! I am in the mood for some Criss Angel music and some madd exercise or something! I have some aggression building up and sitting here isn't working for me. What do I do when I feel like this? I dance it out, yo! haha Have an amazing day everyone!!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/06/08
Be Happy
It's my dad's birthday today! So Happy Birthday Papa Beara! The weather continues to be gloomy and weird but I'm not! Okay maybe I'm weird but definitely not gloomy! In fact, I feel like being a goof! Music is on LOUD and I'm feeling the sunshine in my soul! My batteries have been recharged after the hell week I went through! My get-well balloons are still floating 10 days after receiving them from my street team leader! My favorite is the smiley face she drew on the yellow balloon! I was trying to get my cat to bat a balloon when I was bouncing it up in the air and making it land on him but he gives me this total Garfield bored look like I'm an idiot! haha I hope my 5-Star great mood sticks around for awhile! No sad songs please! I hope your love meter is full and your attitude shines on! xoxo
and don't let anyone tell you you don't deserve what you want!
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/05/08
Ice Storm
The trees outside my window have little teardroplets of ice that sparkle! Looks like no one is going anywhere without their ice skates on either. Fortunately I'm inside doing some administrative tasks. I went to the movies last night with my girl Ashley to see Juno and I absolutely loved it! Afterwards her fiance' cooked us up something to eat! I didn't come home empty handed either...no not a doggy bag, but rather some really lovely articles of clothing she no longer wanted. I'm still wearing clothes from the 8th grade...haha I really need to do a little closet cleaning myself! At least I can still wear the same size! I'm happy and I'm pain free so no complaints! I think I shall have a push pop and jump on myspace next. Good lovin' everyone! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/04/08
It's been one week to the day since my oral surgery. Those that know me know that I don't do normal but I'm glad to be back to what I call "normal" for me! I should be able to have a voice lesson tomorrow after being away from my routine for 2 weeks. The sides of my face are very yellow from the bruising so I'm putting off my next photo shoot for a little bit! Thought maybe some fresh pictures would be cool! So you can see what I look like without my wisdom teeth! hahahaha Check it too...I will be adding a new song to my playlist on myspace like maybe next week too! In the meantime, I'm upbeat and projecting positive thoughts for the best! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/03/08
Better
Finally I can say I'm feeling better! Thank you so much for all your prayers and well wishes! I plan to put myself together today so the start of my week will be fierce! There is a time to heal and last week was it for me and now it's time to dance!!! My thoughts are divided into several parts right now. The greater part is about getting back into the studio to write more songs with my producer, and continued rehearsals with my band so they are "good to go", even if we don't have a gig on the books and lastly...can you say job search?! I need a part-time job so I can continue my addiction to shopping online!! Nine out of ten things I purchase have to rock on stage as well as blend on the street with just a change of accessories! Those of us on a tight budget know how to make it work! haha Well, I'm going to wander off now! Have a nice day! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/02/08
March Madness
March 1st is starting out with one sick migraine headache. I can barely sit here to write this but habits are hard to break. I woke up, switched on the computer, walked to the bathroom, went over to the window to look outside and BAM! I thought my head was about to explode!! I went downstairs to eat something so I could take my pain medicine and nausea grabbed hold of me. I've been sitting in the recliner paying the price now for what may have caused this in the first place...sleeping flat, instead of keeping my head higher then my heart. For the first time ever that I know of I need peace and quiet. Not even music can sooth this one. I don't wish this headache on anyone. (sigh) I'm going to bury myself under the blanket and pray this goes away ASAP! Party it up for me everyone! Night Night xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
3/01/08
~ Past Journal Entries ~
Aug. '08
July '08
June '08
Dec. '07
Nov. '07
October '07
Sept. '07
August '07
June '07
May '07
April '07
March '07
February '07
January '07
