Pedometers
Yesterday my mom and I decided to take a trip to Dicks Sporting Goods Store for some pedometers. We hardly ever go there because well, I don't play any sports but it was kinda cool. So last night we decided to test them out and take a 5 mile walk with a break in between to visit an old friend. Today we couldn't wait to get back out so we just got back from another 5-mile walk and I have to say we are both very exhausted. My mom jumped right in the shower and changed, but I sat down to get my journal in. So it looks like I have to fuel back up and get to work cause there is plenty of things I need to get done. You know the drill! Alright, talk to ya'll tomorrow, same time, same place. hehe Enjoy your last day of May 2007!!! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
5/31/07
Baseball, Harley D. and Rock & Roll
Before going to work at the studio last night I went to my brothers last baseball for school ball! He played great and I'm happy for him! Although his team lost they showed great team spirit! Have I mentioned I just love the game of baseball?! Rehearsal went cool last night! My guitar player is now rockin' the coolest Harley motorcycle I've ever seen up close and personal! The only Harley Davidson stuff I own are boots and a sweater! haha I could see myself on the back of a bike like that for a quick minute but I'm pretty sure I'm more of a limo girl...I prefer no wind and my feet up as apposed to the wind whipping me and tasting the odious scent of skunk on the open highway! hahaha Well, I hope your day RoCks & RoLLs!!! Be happy, laugh and be cool!!! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
5/30/07
The Cat
So yesterday a new addition came into my life. I have a roommate finally. Yes indeed, I have the most beautiful, beautiful cat living with me temporarily. It's actually my aunt’s cat, but she needs a pet sitter for about a month. It's definitely a different experience for me because we've never had any pets. Ok, except a parakeet a few years ago, but I think that’s a little different. So far I'm not showing any signs of being allergic which is good because there is cat hair everywhere! haha Last night we went over to my aunt and uncles to see my cousin who is town. We had a nice cookout and bonfire, with smores of course!! It was definitely nice to be outside for once instead of being cooped up. Today I'm working on piano and vocals. No voice lesson, but probably rehearsal tonight!! Anyways, I hope everyone enjoys this beautiful day!! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
5/29/07
Memorial Day
Not to honor war what so ever…but I want to give tribute to those that sacrificed and died for my freedom!! I realize most of us look at it as a day off and some ignore why we even have this day off! Truthfully, I rarely stop to appreciate that I am a beneficiary of those that have given the ultimate sacrifice to preserve my freedom and I am feeling very blessed!!! I am paying closer attention to world affairs too, as I will be able to vote for the first time for president next year! While in Manhattan I met 3 US ARMY soldiers who were on leave. All 3 had been to IRAQ at least once. It gave me chills really to know they have faced and experienced something that would terrify me and thankfully they returned home safely! The city was rockin’ with soldiers from every branch of the armed services looking so dignified and it was the coolest! Gotta love those sailor uniforms!! I hope your day off is relaxing and peaceful! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
5/28/07
Memorial Weekend
Where did yesterday go?! haha I had a combination of a high going on from my NYC trip and yet I was kinda tired like all I wanted to do was chill and just do nothing! But I compromised and worked on my music and even went into the studio for a bit! Today is a day off and of course it's Memorial Weekend and everyone is off probably barbecuing, picnicking or catching a baseball game or a movie on the tube! I want to do something exciting and not be lazy! I don't want today to slip away! My brother’s picture was in today’s paper for playing ultimate frisbee to collect food for Chow and that was pretty cool! Well I feel the need to do something meaningful and productive! Hope your day is peaceful and cool!! I'll leave you with this for today.....
My wish for you...
is that this life becomes all that you want it to!
Your dreams stay BIG! Your worries stay small....
and you never need to carry more than you can hold!
xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
5/27/07
NYC Good Times!
Last night my rents and I got home late from the city and so I didn't get to write a journal yesterday. Being in NYC is the ultimate! It was perfect weather! I love the mix of people, the buildings and the feeling I get when I am there! Carnegie Hall is unbelievably beautiful!! I was seriously in awe the moment we stepped inside the theater. I was so proud of my big brother getting his diploma and he is officially a doctor! I try to hide it, but I get just as emotional as my parents do. After the ceremony ended we walked and walked the city streets until we found this place called Pasta Lovers Trattoria. The food was sooo fabulous!! After dinner we walked some more and met up with some of my brother’s fellow graduates and their families/friends at The ESPN ZONE! Too bad the Yankees weren't playing because that place is the best place to be to watch a game for sure. I mean hello?…they are even TVs coming out of the ceiling for every single stall in the bathroom!!! hahahah I was sad to go back to the hotel before midnight because it was my first time being in Times Square late at night and getting to see all the bright lights. I was looking up at all the billboards and dreaming that someday soon I will be up there on one too! The next morning I woke up at like 7ish and took a walk around Manhattan with my Dad. We went down over by Central Park and ended up at CBS catching the Early Show!! I don't know if I was caught on camera at all but I was definitely there while they were shooting!! I got to see Harry Smith, Hannah Storm, and Julie Chen all up close! Wow are they tiny in person!! A little further down the street we took a glimpse into Trump Tower and I nearly fell over in shock how everything is gold inside!! haha So yeah, leaving the city was definitely the worst part of the trip. I know I will be back soon though to do shows so it's somethin to look forward to! My home town has definite possibilities and I have roots here but when you go out of this area even for a day you realize that there is sooo much more to offer if you have BIG dreams like I do! There are a few pioneers itching to make changes here but its so slow that many people give up on their dreams when they stay too long! Today I'm back to working on my music! Hope you have the coolest Saturday! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
5/26/07
Carnegie Hall
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ Today has started off kind of interesting. I woke up happy but not feeling the best. The sun is shining but it still feels kinda chilly, (in the house anyways). I've been home alone which is nice but then I get a call that my voice lesson is gonna be cancelled because my teacher was in some sort of accident last night!! eeeks!! I am praying she will be alright!! Well despite all the up and down craziness I think it will end up being a good day! Just a feeling I get! I have been spending my morning on piano keys and trying not to think about the cookies sittin' on my kitchen counter. That's what happens when you live with others that can eat what they want... temptation everywhere!!! haha Well I better get back in the zone, I hope everyone is enjoying their day! Oh yes and one more thing, American Idol tonight....vote for Blake!! hehe xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ I had been requested to perform at this girls Sweet 16 Birthday Party which took place yesterday and I had a really great time! I felt really welcomed by everyone there! The best part of performing is making people smile and I found myself smiling the whole time! So it goes both ways! Immediately afterwards I hurried to get home and get in on the action for my brothers prom pictures and to see all of his friends dressed up. His group of friends had 10 couples on a party bus!!! My moods lately are like a box of chocolates....(you never know what you are gonna get...haha) and I have been up and down in thoughts! So when everything falls into place better then you expect the "up" side wins!! I am sooo on top of the world today and it feels really good! I am surrounded by loving family and friends and fans!!! So Beautiful!!!!!! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend and the start of your week rocks!!! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ Everything is cool beans! No other way to describe it really! I'm doing my thang...aka singing! My older bro is home and it's great having him around although he doesn't hang for long cuz he has his friends to see while he is home! I have a gig this Saturday I'm preparing for…plus my younger bro has his senior prom happening!! Excitement is in the house for different reasons but it's all good stuff!!! Hope your house is rockin'! Be sweet! xoxo Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
Congratualtions to my brother Jay and all of the graduating class at New York Medical! I'm in NYC celebrating with my family!!! Hope you have a blast whatever you do!!! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
5/24/07
T.T. (Trip Tomorrow)
Today it's soooo beautiful out, yet I find myself inside! Even so, it definitely inspires me to sing & work out! I haven't felt very good the last couple days which kept me from working like I do....but I'm feeling better today! Tomorrow I am headed to NYC for my brothers graduation at Carnegie Hall! Gotta pick out an outfit or two and pack a little since we are staying overnight. This will be my first time ever sleeping over in NYC! I heard the city doesn't sleep! Should be a memorable trip for many reasons! Musically right now things are going well although it may appear all is quiet! Let me just say...it's the calm before the storm!!!! Woo Hoo!!! Have a wild & whacky Wednesday with tons for fun!!! xoxo
5/23/07
Vote For Blake!!!
5/22/07
I'm Not On Vacation!
Yesterday I was all about wanting to get my party on since it was my day off and I was feeling soo happy!!! but it pretty much ended up a party of one in my head! haha I mean going out to dinner with the family was awesome cept the part where I ate a whole cow!!! (just kidding...but it felt like it) I've been thrown off schedule cuz family has been underfoot and it's not feeling like a normal Monday to me at all right now! I can feel that summer time change happening when everyone is on vacation and they don't consider I'm "working" just cuz I'm home! I have to be extra careful not to let them suck me in by saying, oh you can do that later!!! So having said that...since my day is already messed up....I'm off to run a couple errands first and then I'll be working the rest of the day! :-) Have a fabulous day!!! xoxo
5/21/07
The UP Side!!!
5/20/07
Back On!
Today's gig is back on! YaY!! It should be fun and I will have the chance to make some new friends! Tomorrow I will let you in on the scoop! lol Last night I went to the HAUNT in Ithaca with my guitar player and manager to meet the owner and get a feel for the place since I will be playing there on June 3rd! Very cool and the sound in there is great! It was a brief stop because I had to get back to the studio to rehearse and tighten stuff up for today! It's a about an hour trip so on the way back I had a Red Bull plus we stopped at Starbucks and I had a white chocolate latte! YUM! (I don't do coffee) I hope your weekend is fabulous! Excitement is in the air! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
5/19/07
Out Of Our Control
Rehearsal went great last night and my evening ended on a happy note! But today I woke up to word that my private gig was cancelled for tomorrow! It's one of those things that happens and is out of our control. There apparently was a family emergency and the party couldn't go on! Another example of what is out of our control… last night was my brothers final baseball game in his high school career....and... the "new" coach, for some unknown reason make a HUGE mistake and did not put him in the game! He actually gave the other senior boys lil playtime as well! Well that was like a slap in the face to all the senior boys, the parents and supportive fans like myself! That's life tho and you just gotta learn to roll with the punches especially when it's out of our control! I learned too that just because you are an adult, it doesn't mean you know everything or do everything the right way! President Bush is a perfect example of that! hahahahahahaha Hope your day is lovely! And something you can control... your smile!
It adds to your face value and you never know who might be falling in love with it!!! xoxo
5/18/07
Cool
5/17/07
Stuff
I feel like today is just flying right on by! Weather wise its a rainy/dreary day, which is a bummer but what can you do? The good news is that my brother is comin home for a few days! He is all done with school and next week he graduates from New York Medical and he will officially be a DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy)! Graduation is being held at Carnegie Hall and I'm so excited to go there.. you have no idea! Maybe one day I will get to sing there. hehe yeah I'm definitely in a day dreaming mode today thats for sure. I have to catch up with last night's Idol show since I missed it, being in the studio last night. Although I still voted for Blake about 25 times!! haha I watched "Dancing With The Stars" and went nuts over Enrique Iglesias!!! Oh wait...that was my mom going ga-ga over him! I love his new song "Do You Know (the Ping Pong Song)"! well...have an awesome day everyone! xoxo
5/16/07
Happy Days
It's one of those times when I'm happy and not necessarily because of any one particular reason! The sun is shining, the stars are aligned, there is no drama and even though I know everything isn't perfectly perfect...I'm just very happy! I'd like to bottle this feeling up for a rainy day I'm telling ya! The days go by so fast and just when you want one good one to hang on a lil longer, it's past! That's life! haha I have a voice lesson to look forward to later on and then into the studio tonight! For now...I'm singing and continually working on my music! This gig is forever baby!! Stay happy! xoxo
5/15/07
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
5/14/07
Mom's Day
Happy Mother's Day to my "Mighty Magic Mom" and to awesome Mom's everywhere!! Today was cool but sunny and we spent the day at my Aunt and Uncles with tons of food and family love to go around! My family rocks!! I will be missing my sweetest lil cousin, Delana, as she is going home to Louisiana tomorrow! She is the one leaving and she told me, "don't go!" Tooo cute!!! I became slightly attached and I adore her sooooo much!! I hope your "Moms" Day was fabulous!! ;-) xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
5/13/07
Perceptions
I always try to focus my thoughts in the direction of fulfillment and accomplishment. I have to do what's in my best interest... not what someone else's ideas of what they think I should do! No pettiness allowed in my camp!! I had rehearsal for tonite's performance at EPAC and was first up for sound check! It's not often I'm rockin out at 10 AM but at least I know I can! haha I am singing one of my songs off my full length called, So Beautiful, in this show with a mix minus, so it's not a Dena concert by any means! I'm a part of an ensemble cast each showcasing something special in honor of Devin Spears! Tickets at the door are $10 general admission! Well... I have much to prepare so off I go! Perception works like this.... if you consider it to be a beautiful day..... then it is!!! (smiles) xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
5/12/07
My Zone
The day before a performance (no matter how small), I go into a state of mind that people around me don't seem to understand. I have a zillion thoughts scrambling around in my head and it appears I have "zoned out", when in fact, I'm totally "in the zone"!!! It's just MY ZONE! haha It's kinda funny cuz I actually think I'm talking out loud and answering people but apparently I'm not! haha Going quiet makes others go into overdrive asking me what's wrong?! I have been told I look lost in space but it's my sanctity! haha Sorry, but that's me! But don't worry...after a performance I flip it all around and go completely silly! The pressure is released!!! So forgive me if I appear aloof before I hit the stage but I'll make up for it after!!! haha Just gotta dance it out!!! Yo!!! haha Tonight will be a late one in the studio probably and then I have tech rehearsal at EPAC at like 9:30 AM! Have a fun Friday! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
5/11/07
Passport
My passport finally arrived in the mail!! Now I'm ready to travel abroad! It took forever it seemed to get it! It isn't cheap either and it's getting to where we will all need to have a passport sooner or later! I should give it a test run by heading up to one of my favorite tourist spots - Niagara Falls, Canada! It's humid today and I need desperately to get some AC in my place! I have to put in a request to my dad to help me out with that! Although I am very happy to say I'm warm finally!! Rain is however in the forecast! Anyway today is a day of rehearsing so I better get to it! Have a great day! xoxo Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
5/10/07
Cousins
I was having the best dream (finally) and my mom & aunt woke me up to go out with them early this morning! It wasn't another road trip but we picked up my grandma and went to visit my cousins that are in town from Florida & Louisiana! Another warm, sunny, gorgeous day too! The kind of weather they are use to but for us northerners, it's a treat!!! I combined the trip with some business as well as I'm having more press kit photos made up! Last night I had some brief studio time to go over business management type stuff, etc! For tonight, I'm free and clear to chill! Although I never stop thinking about what's next as I'm always in prep! Well, hope your day is rockin'! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
5/09/07
Gorgeous Day
Sweet!!!! With the great weather kickin’ in, I have the windows and doors open for fresh air while I rehearse….ummm… so yeah! Turns out that I have been giving free concerts! Haha One fan wrote me on myspace with a sweet comment that when she passes by my place, she and her friends can hear me and my music sounds great! I don’t know what I can do different without shutting myself in a sound proof booth for hours and that doesn’t appeal to me! Today is voice lesson day! Later maybe acoustic rehearsal! I’m not in any kind of a rush! So basically I will just stay the course and let the sunshine in!! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
5/08/07
Dreamstate
Yesterday I took a really cool road trip! Just shy of the Vermont border I was really feeling the beautiful scenery! I LOVED getting out from under the staleness of always being home even if it was only for the day! Makes me want to grab a friend or two and take a mini vacation! Maybe hit up an amusement park soon! Anyone out there up to riding rollercoasters with me?! yeah I'm daydreaming a lil bit! Well I need to refocus my attention and get busy working! I'm not able to turn things off and on as easily as flipping a light switch like some people. So excuse me while I transition out of my dreamstate and slip into the music zone! Hope your workday rocks! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
5/07/07
Have A Nice Day!!
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
5/06/07
Brotherhood
Last night there was a mansion full of crazy, starving men when I got to work!! My guitar player was the only one not present for the first half-hour so I was waiting on him to get started! The buzz was upbeat and fun and it feels like one big happy family! I guess I could describe it to be like having a bunch of brothers looking out for their one and only lil sis! Once I settled into the zone to work, acoustic rehearsal last night went well! Did I say work? haha well it is! It's great work tho! Tonite will be about the same only we will be strictly concentrating on the newer songs to tighten them up!! This afternoon I have a family thing for my newest cousin (baby christening)! It's a sunshine day too so I plan to let it pour over me like a warm shower! I'm so pale! Tomorrow I have a trip out of town so posting a journal entry won't happen till much later if you're "Watching" me! haha Hope your weekend is great! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
4/05/07
Search Your Soul
Ever have days where you just want to sit up in your room with the door closed and do some soul searching? Well I've done that pretty much all my life. I know exactly who I am and where I want to be and thats the best feeling ever. I feel very lucky because not everyone knows what they want out of life. Don't get me wrong I have plently of days where I question what on earth am I here for, but I think those are the moments where I'm forced to dig deeper inside myself and end up stronger because of it. This morning I spent a couple hours on myspace connecting with fans and friends. I think I'm gonna try and do that more often. It amazes me to see how much it has grown and how many talented people are out there looking for their big break. I just grabbed a quick bite to eat and now I'm thinkin about hitting up those piano keys for awhile. Tonight I have acoustic practice again which is good. Can never get enough practice right?.....right!! I hope everyone enjoys the start to a beautiful weekend! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ Always Love & Music, ~Dena~ Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
5/04/07
Satisfaction
I get the most satisfaction from singing! I do have other things that I’m passionate about, like writing, dancing and acting and all of them get my creative juices going each in their own way. But I find my center in singing! Anyone pursuing the arts knows it’s something you are just driven to do! Some are lucky enough to make a real good living at it, for some it becomes their past time while they do conventional type jobs to pay the bills and right now I’m lucky to still be living with my parents while I grow as a recording artist! Can’t say enough about the team behind me and how much I love them! Everyone has customized things just for me and I promise to do you proud!!! A sunshine morning is motivating me to get busy and I’m all about TCB today! Hope your day is slammin’!!! xoxo
5/03/07
Last night I went into the studio around nine for a different reason other then working on my music!!! It was to review a script for a part in a film based on a struggling singer/songwriter! Very cool indeed! Don't know what may come of it, but either way it's all very exciting to be considered for the role. Much has to fall into place but it's right up my alley! No sense me talking about it if further until it’s a solid but it sure would be an amazing opportunity! I get to sing and act!! But onto what's happening in the now.... I’ve been singing and working on my music early cuz this afternoon I plan to catch my brothers game since he is probably gonna pitch and it’s his birthday! Tonite is a night off but guaranteed I’ll be going over the script again and thinking about what may come! Have a happy day everyone! Take care! xoxo
5/02/07
P.S. Happy Birthday Michael!
LOVE & MAY FLOWERS
It's May 1st baby!! And tomorrow is my brother’s birthday so I'm about to go shopping for his present! I'm thinking the gift of music! Since Ne-yo has a new CD out today and he is a fan I'm pickin' up that for him! A cookie cake is his choice so my mom and I will be getting one big one just for him and bite size ones for the rest of us watching our sugar intake! haha With his school and baseball schedule it's gonna be hard to actually celebrate it but he can grab cookie cake on the go! Everyone has such busy lives it seems! Sometimes we have to be reminded to stop and smell the flowers...aka...be in the moment!! When I get home its back to workin' on my music until my voice lesson time. Then into the studio after that! So my day is full and I love it that way!!!!!!! Hope your May day rocks!! xoxo
5/01/07
~ Past Journal Entries ~
Oct. '08
Sept. '08
Aug. '08
July '08
June '08
May '08
April '08
March '08
April '07
March '07
February '07
January '07
