Ya know...I don't have all the answers. I have more questions then answers for sure. I try to listen, understand and execute. sooo today I'll be making some home improvements on myself, working and loving life...my way but with a lil help from my friends too. Piano time and hopefully getting rid of this nasal congestion so I can sing without sounding stuffed up. I will be working on lyrics for a song too. I wish everyone to have a fabulous day! xoxo
"With fame, you know, you can read about yourself, somebody else's ideas about you, but what's important is how you feel about yourself -for survival and living day to day with what comes up." -Marilyn Monroe
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
11/28/06
What's Up?
What's up everyone? I am feeling better so I'm gonna kick up my exercise program another notch! One of the concerts I watched yesterday was Madonna's Confessions On The Dance Floor and for her age and having had kids she puts me to shame with how tight her body is! (Granted she has a personal trainer!) My background as a dancer makes me hungry for that kind of workout once in a while. I don't necessarily miss the torture to my toes from pointe' shoes...haha...but you know what I mean! I have to exercise my fingers on the piano a lot today! I have singing gigs coming up this weekend (so be sure to check my shows section) and rehearsing for that is on the schedule too. I highly recommend you make the most of your day everyone! Do something that inspires you!! and remember to laugh!!! :) xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
11/27/06
Not A Minute To Waste
Yesterday rocked!!! One of my songs (that's a single) came in from mastering and it's AmaZing!!! I can't wait for everyone to hear it!!!! We worked really hard and got a lot done last night. Donny tracked guitar on the last couple songs we still have to mix and since Anthony is away till Monday we couldn't go any further cuz of the editing he has to do. I tracked organ for my first time ever! And then Jeff and I arranged a whole new song. So basically we were on fire!!!! Seldom is there a minute wasted thoughout the many hours we work together. I just might be a workalcoholic cuz I wanted to keep going into the wee hours of the morning. Must of been that extra special prime rib dinner that kept me going! Soup just doesn't sustain me for long and thats what I usually have. I'm looking at a day off but it won't be really cuz I have much on my mind and I need a plan of attack for the week ahead. Starting with eliminating this cold once and for all! Have a fabulous day everyone! xoxo
"We are, each of us angels with only one wing; and we can only fly by embracing one another." ~Luciano de Crescenzo~
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
11/26/06
Special Day
Last night was pretty sweeeet!! Jeff and I mixed another song after Donny tracked some guitar and I tracked some keys. Basically to make the song more dynamic and it sure does sound more amazing now! After that we started to arrange another song on piano! I just love the creative at the studio night after night! It's never boring thats for sure. Different people usually pop in & out and you never know who will bring us something funny to add to our night! Although any day can be special if you want it to be...today is my birthday and I wouldn't mention it at all cept I have some really wonderful people to thank for their thoughtful messages and gifts such as....(RedBull and Chicken Noodle Soup..just to name a couple great ones!) I am about to have some b-day cake with my family and later I am working cuz it's where I wanna be! I'm extremely lucky and very happy to be loved so much! And I hope you can feel the love coming right back at cha!!! Have a fabulous day everyone! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
11/25/06
Stuffed
There is nothing better then a home cooked Thanksgiving Dinner! Between yesterday and already today, having eatin' leftovers for lunch, I've eatin' more in 2 days then I usually eat in a week. Soooo goood!!!! I don't eat the traditional apple and pumpkin pies so my mom had made yummy pudding parfaits for me for dessert. My grandma made the day fun with her coolness vibe! She is a rockin' old lady and I love her so much! She is game for almost anything but the cutest thing is...if I ask her something too personal she quirks her smile and says...oh nevermind I have my secrets!! hehe She plays piano too and I'm pretty sure I inherited my piano playing skills from her! Not to mention her charisma and wonderful spirit! All in all it was a wonderful day spent with family and I relaxed at night watching tv! Today it's a work day and even with the stuffy nose I'm in a happy place and ready to kick into high gear! I wish I could bottle the love I have in my heart right now for the down times when they hit! oh and....happy black friday to all the shoppers! I hope you get what you want! haha xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
11/24/06
Happy Thanksgiving Day
I'm eager to sit down to a family meal and not think about anything serious!!! We'll see. I couldn't help my parents cook this year cuz I'm coughing and sniffling and that wouldn't be cool. I'm missing my brother Jay and I believe this is the first time he couldn't be here so it's weird. I am very fortunate to have very close family ties! and there in-lies my thanks. My love goes out to everyone!!! God Bless!
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
11/23/06
Sick
I don't like being sick. Boo hoo! Good thing I don't have to sing right now! I just hope my taste buds are working cuz I'm really looking forward to turkey dinner tomorrow! Today I'm gonna stay low key and just work on stuff that only requires thinking energy vs. physical energy. I had a great night in the studio but had to keep sipping on tea with honey. I ususally have Wednesday's off but tonite I'm working instead of tomorrow cuz of the holiday! I expect it to be another great night if I can be on top of my cold instead of letting it drag me down. Mentally I'm good to go!!!!! I haven't watched the American Music Awards yet so I hope to watch that later. I love being able to fast forward the ads...saves about an hour right there! Hope everyone is having an awesome week and that you have something in your life that makes you really, really happy! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
11/22/06
Crappy Happy :)
Well it's official...I have a cold! I'm pretty sure I can thank Wheatus for passing it on despite Brendans efforts to pour rubbing alcohol over the microphones! haha But who knows really.....the weather is warm and cold and you don't know what to wear! I rested yesterday afternoon so I could work in the studio last night and it paid off cuz Jeff and I mixed another song. I love every bit of it! The more I learn, the move I wanna learn!!! When I got home, NyQuil was my choice of medicine before I went to bed and I did sleep good. My throat hurts so I can't wait for that to pass. I'll probably start to float away with all the liquids I'll be drinking today! haha I guess you could say, I am feeling crappy happy!!! hahahaha Sounds like a crabby patty from Sponge Bob! Hope you all have a fabulous day! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
11/21/06
99.9%
I may appear to be off in my own little world, (like 99.9% of the time) haha...but anyone who thinks I'm spaced out has a surprise coming. I'm a creative force to be reckoned with. I have many sides and some are slow to catch up with the rest of me but they'll get there eventually. I hear celebrites talk about how their drive to succeed comes at a price to their personal life many times. Is it possible to find a balance? My creative is right on target and thats all I really am sure of. In the meantime, spending Sunday at home keeps me grounded in a good way! I spent nearly 2 hours yesterday doing Dance, Dance Revolution, burning calories, and having a blast. My brother would join in too but he doesn't need to watch his figure! haha Today tho I'll be hitting up the piano pretty hard. So gotta go! Happy Monday everyone! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
11/20/06
WHEATUS SHOW TONITE @ 6:30 pm
Did I say yesterday I would be working extra long in the studio? Yup indeed I did, but it didn't happen. That horrific storm mother nature dumped on us on Thursday caused major problems for many homes in our area and my producer's home basement was flooded. It left me with another night off but finally tonite I have a singing gig with WHEATUS and I am damn excited to meet them and feed off of the energy of a national band thats on tour!!! Very cool opportunity for me! It should be a fun night for all and afterwards I expect to get some work done in the studio after the show. yup that's right...working after the show!! Well I have to start getting ready!!! I hope to see you rocking out tonite.........
@ The American Legion @ 76 Main St.. Binghamton NY 13905
Show Time is 6:30 PM. All ages welcome. ONLY $7
Always Love & Music with a side of Hugs & Kisses!!!! ~Dena~
11/18/06
Stormy Weather
Around 4 in the afternoon yesterday storms hit our county causing flash flooding, mudslides & accidents to happen. It became a state of emergency and everything was cancelled....ugh. The rain was so heavy it sounded like Niagara Falls over my house. I ended up taking a long hot bubble bath by candlelight to relax and release all the tensions in myself. Wished I had a hottub and then I could of had a lil mini party!!! I got extra sleep too so it's all good cuz tonite I will probably be working extra long in the studio to play catch up. Also I got to see my 2 videos to critic them and I think they are amazing!!! They are like so opposite from each other and show like at least 2 different sides of what I'm about and it's killer!!! There will be a few minor adjustments to be made and so you can't see them just yet! hahaha So anyways....I have much to do as always and I hope you have a fabulous friday followed by a fabulous weekend!!!! Xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
11/17/06
Smile! :)
Yesterday was quite relaxing I have to say. I still got alot of work done but since I didn't have to go out I caught up on watching shows I taped from a week ago. Like the CMA Awards and Saturday Night Live. Then last night was the finale' of Dancing with Stars. I'm upset cuz I really wish Mario Lopez would have won. I didn't get the chance to vote and that probably made the difference. yeah right! hahaha Today it's back on full speed ahead schedule which is good. I have to prepare for the Wheatus show on Saturday and put more piano time in. Then it's back in the studio mixing more of my record! Life is good and it just keeps getting better and better. Smile...it increases your face value! hehe xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
11/16/06
MVP
I don't have to think twice about who is the MVP in my life. This person expects excellence from me because thats the bar they set for themself. My drive goes way up being around people like this. And my confidence skyrockets when I am challenged and I truly believe I can do better. If we are what we repeatedly do then I chose to repeat excellence. It may not be for everybody but it works for me. I am learning lil by lil how to mix and I've been given the privilege to co-mix my songs. It's an honor to even be allowed in the control room when the genius is at work! (not kidding) I just do what I do and I love every minute of working with the creative powers that be! Today tho, I'm working solo and I have a to do list that's pretty long so I need to get back to work. I'm looking forward to reading some happy emails so keep em coming! Have a happy Wednesday everyone! xoxo
Always Sweet Love and Music, ~Dena~
11/15/06
Back to Basics
So I've decided I need to make better use of my days. I thought I was but I still find myself not being able to finish all that I want to accomplish in my day. Probably because it's very easy for me to sleep in till 10, 11 or 12 o'clock even, especially when I go to bed around 3 or 4 am. I just hate waking up and having like 3 hours of daylight left haha. So anyway today I have to kick my butt on piano again. Practice makes perfect right? I really want to get in some exercize since I haven't in a couple days. Then later it's voice lesson and after that its back in to the studio to start the mixing process. It's all very important, so I really have to be focused cause when I get in that zone a lot gets done quicker. I just heard that Christina Aguilera's latest album 'Back to Basics' has gone platinum in the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and Switzerland. So congrats to her on that! I hope Europe loves me like that someday!! xoxo
Love & Music, ~Dena~
11/14/06
I Sing..........
I got some good sleep last night having gone to bed earlier then I usually do. So I was up earlier then my usual time too so I have been getting alot of piano practice in already. My poor mom has to hear my songs over and over and over but she said she likes having me around so that's cool. When I get frustrated with myself she is always here to remind me what my alternatives could be if I can't cut the work out........haha......aka...full time job, taking classes, paying for all my stuff. That's what I call, straight up, kick in the a$$, motivation but I truly don't need reminding of how fortunate I am to have such a supportive family. I have always worked hard for what I love doing and I plan someday (hopefully soon) to pay them back. In the meantime.....
I sing, I dream, I love........
Always and 4 ever, musically yours, ~Dena~
11/13/06
Not Yet A Woman
Pancakes kick-started my morning and now I'm good to go! Thanks mom! It's Sunday and basically what we call family day around here. I expect to keep it casual all day (casual = hang out in my pj's) but work on my stuff. I'm feeling a bit split today...reflecting on the lyrics from Britneys song I'm not a girl, not yet a woman! That feeling hits me every so often when I have to face some very grown up issues. In recent months I've learned more about myself, like what I'm made of, what I'm capable of. Instead of dodging the grown up stuff I need to attack it with confidence and assurance like I do my music. The music industry is one tough nut to crack and sitting on my butt isn't gonna make me anything happen so unless I'm sick I can't be piddling away my time. The holidays are coming up too and that means working around those. Just gotta do what I gotta do. Have a fabulous day people! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
11/12/06
Nightmare City
Whoa Baby!!! Nightmare city last night! I hate when that happens and I can't wake myself out of it!!! I was really happy when I did wake up and realized it wasn't real. I was being physically attacked and then frustration set in when no one would be believe me. haha I have to shake it off and get my mind to work. Today I have to put extra piano time in and vocals to make up for my trek to the mall yesterday with my friend. I probably won't even break at all cuz I need to exercize too then go into the studio early cuz I have some radio spots I'll be recording tonight for Wild 104 in promotion for the Toys for Tots benefit coming up soon. So I'm excited!! Then I have a meeting with some VIPS before I actually get to work on my stuff. It's a full schedule ...just the way I like it!!! haha Hope your day is happy go lucky!!! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
11/11/06
FF
What will today bring? Who knows but I pray it's all good!!! I had sweet dreams last night and I woke up feeling energetic so I'm off to a pretty good start. I am hopeful even tho I'm feeling the devil is poking his pitchfork into my upbeat mood. You just have to recognise that any doubts you have is just some evil lurking to find your weak spot where you are most vulnerable. But when you come from a place of love...you can beat that bad boy down real quick. You have to cut the negative crap out now! On the schedule is my usual exercise regimen and practicing to do! I do feel a need for some fresh air while the weather is sunny and in the 60's! you know it! you love it! you want it! you got it!!!!! hehehehe I am in a happy zone and I feel like dancing!!! All aboard who's coming aboard! Have a Fabulous Friday wherever you are! xoxo
Love & Music Always, ~Dena~
11/10/06
Zippity Do Dah!!!
Yesterday I felt like the zippity was taken out of my do dah! haha but I'm feeling back in the zone today! Nothing overwhelming mind you but things were definitely on my mind and I tried really hard to turn them around. A lil help from your friends is all it takes sometimes and I have one AMAZING friend that I am able to count on. We can over think things sometimes just enough to give us question and when you have someone to talk to then things become much clearer. Which is why I like to stay busy...haha.. no time to over think. Its good to plan ahead but at the same time I like to take one day at a time. Like unexpected rain falling on a planned picnic outting...it happens and things change. We have to adjust and make the most of it. And ya know...sometimes the unexpected turns out even better!!!! Surprises are cool too...when they are happy ones! I guess expect the unexpected and it will be like a planned surprise! haha I will be working all day at home and I'm just waiting to hear what my studio time will be for tonite! So I hope everyone enjoys their day today...and don't worry about tomorrow. xoxo
Love & Music Always, ~Dena~
11/09/06
4 Parts of Dena
Remember the 4 D's I mentioned a long time ago in an earlier journal entry? Drive + Determination + Discipline + DaBella = me! well, it still holds true and always will. Leave one part of the whole out and it will not add up. I don't know why I know this but I do. I have a couple days off from going into the studio because there is a lot of editing to be done and not a whole lot I can do. I have much I will be doing on my own. Alone time can be good especially when I'm writing lyrics. A long walk toward an unknown destination would fit my mood today but it's raining soooo I'll go for an extra long walk on the treadmill. This way I will safely end up right where I started, only safe & dry! haha BIG 'celeb' news today is Britney Spears split up with K-Fed! I think everyone in the world saw that one coming!!! oh well...off I go into my own reality. Have a fabulous day everyone! xoxo
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
11/08/06
Where Is Your Heart?
...writing lyrics, exercise, piano, singing and repeat! throw in a voice lesson today and there you have a peek into my day. And all I have to say today is this.........
If you want to know where your heart is
Look where your mind goes when it wanders...
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
11/07/06
Rooftop Fun!!!
What a fabulous day yesterday! We left for Rochester at 5:30am and the trip was great. My brother Michael came too which was cool. We had great directions, easy ride and lovely company. I was just blown away by how everything fell in to place. Barry, from Cool Cool River, had several location spots lined up starting with this rooftop like 8 stories up. The weather was cold and breezy and while everyone in the crew and on my team were wrapped up in coats and scarfs, I was in a skimpy little dress. So my brother would come and wrap me in a blanket in-between takes. I used the stairwell to go and warm up too. I can't even explain how exciting it was and that the cold was quickly forgotten until I stopped each time. The roof top was so perfect that we didn't even need to go anywhere else. We wrapped several hours earlier than we had planned because everything went so well. I loved when the camera was up close and follwing me all over the roof top while I sang to it like it was my boyfriend. I'm really lucky to have two videos coming out so close to each other in two completely different styles. Today I'm gonna be working on writing new lyrics, and piano, and soon the LaBella team will be back to kicking butt in the studio!!! Hugs and Kisses everyone!!!
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
11/06/06
Butterflies
Truth be told I am loving this frenetic pace...but it does comes with a mix of butterflies! I can walk the tight rope and juggle at the same time with all the confidence and skill anyone could possibly bring but inside me there will always be butterflies! I believe these butterflies love and care for me so the fluttering inside me is just a reminder to erase any doubts and to let them carry me. Lucky for me they are musical butterflies!! haha I had a fabulous night in the studio that went into the wee morning hours. My puffy cloud of a bed was waiting for me at 5am and I quickly went to dreamland! Today I have to prepare for tomorrow's video shoot in Rochester so it means packing everything up that I will need. I will be working today/tonite also and then hopefully I can get enough zzzz's so I will look stellar tomorrow! hehe I won't be home tomorrow to post a journal entry so I hope you have a fabulous weekend and I'll be back on Monday to tell you how the video shoot went! Woo Hoo!!! xoxo
Butterfly Love, ~Dena~
11/04/06
The Stars Are Aligned
Last night I retracked 4 songs acoustically (front to back) to add to my press kit! My guitar player did a great job too!!!! Always have to keep the press kit updated, ya know. Tieing loose ends up so we can start mixing the full length next week. It's all very exciting! I love the whole process! I started writing some new songs with my producer on piano! Now that's killer!!! hehe I'm also looking forward to writing new lyrics cuz it will take me to a deeper place then even writing in a journal can. I just know that working with my partner in music is so much fun that the word "work" never enters my mind, even tho clearly it is! The stars are almost perfectly aligned in my life...it's not a complete picture but close. I wish for everyone to have the coolest Friday!
Always Love & Music, ~Dena~
11/03/06
Dena Is In The House
This morning I had some errands to run and since my mom went with me that meant breakfast out! My fave meal of the day so there's no arguement from me to stop when pancakes are involved! haha A quick unplanned stop at the mall for my mom (not me..cuz I'm flat broke) and here I am ready to get busy working!!! I'm feeling really good and pretty happy to have dropped a tab bit of weight that's finally noticeable. I know I'm not big to begin with but I do need to stay on top of it and my worry is the camera seeing me heavier. I have another video shoot this Sunday and I'm looking forward to rockin' it!!!! There is no time now to be passive and I love where I'm going! I'm not going alone either! The ones that truly care will be with me always. Well I'm pumped to get at the piano keyboard so time to switch!!!! I hope you have a fabulous day!!! Be sweet!!! xoxo
DenA~BmEuLsLiAc
11/02/06
When You Know
When you know, that you know, what you know....the questions are gone. It's all so very clear. My head and my heart are in harmony. Slowly my fears are disappearing cuz I realize that what truly matters can't be taken away from me. I see endless possibilities. I feel nothing can hold me back when I know who I truly am and what I truly want. Distractions have no power over me. Call it intuition or that crazy gut feeling but I'm telling ya to listen to it and it will never disappoint you. I've always been aware of it but it isn't something I've always paid attention to. As you go through your day...make whatever choices you wish, pay close attention to those choices cuz they are all yours and imagine the best is yet to come! Today is a working day for me and no more time left to spend on my deep innermost reflections. haha Those scrambled eggs my mom made for me this morning must of been power packed with good intentions! haha hmmm or maybe it was this amazing song that kept playing over and over in my head before I fell asleep last night?! :-) Either way...happy November everyone! I had a great voice lesson yesterday and today I'm working on piano and later the mansion. I'm so lucky. xoxo
Love & Music, ~Dena~
11/01/06
~ Past Journal Entries ~
Sept. '08
Aug. '08
July '08
June '08
May '08
April '08
March '08
Feb. '08
January '08
Dec. '07
