Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/31/08
The early bird catches the worm, they say, and although I was up early, it wasn't to catch anything but good-bye hugs from my Aunt who is leaving for Florida tomorrow. She is one of those snow birds that is gone until May 1st. I miss her already. Now that I’m totally thrown off schedule by waking up early, at 1:30 in the afternoon I’m feeling a bloody nap coming on! haha Singing later is planned and more lyric writing. I shall hit up some music videos to view and fall asleep to, me thinks! 1st choice would be Panic At The Disco! Okay have a super cool day everyone! HUGS! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/30/08
Jennifer Hudson
My prayers and sincere condolences go out to Jennifer Hudson and her family. I cannot relate or pretend to know what she and her family are going through at this time…however my gut wrenches and it sickens me at the senselessness of it all. This is the kind of tragedy that we think could not happen to us or even someone close to us. As a singer striving to reach her level of success in the music business, my head spins knowing how hard she has worked, making it to the top of her game, enjoying major success and then BAM! Tragedy strikes at the core of her very being. WHY?! I deeply love my family and my friends and pray God always keeps “US” safe. And I pray the Hudson family will be comforted by the “angels” that surround them. Even the ones that don’t know you personally but feel your pain. Peace be with you. Be comforted and stay strong. xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/29/08
Self-Perception
I feel a bit fragmented today. That shiz happens when I feel like I'm doing stuff that seemingly doesn't advance me past GO but I gotta play the game anyway. Oh I'm busy but not like I want to be! Oddly, there is plenty on my plate to deal with right now and yet I feel so disorganized. Just when I polish up one thing, there is a bunch more things to polish, ya know what I mean? Making sense of it all is a waste of time so I'm gonna shut out the outside world till voice lesson time. Singing is my refuge. No more idle chat today. Rock your day your way! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/28/08
Birthday Wish
Forgive me everyone for missing yesterdays journal entry. I was working the job all day and then as soon as I got home I turned right back around and went out again. Normally on a Sunday all I want to do is crash, but I was invited to meet up with a few friends for pizza and drinks (water and redbull that is, haha) to celebrate one of their birthdays. Today is her actual birthday... so having said that, Happy Birthday Melissa! In case you didn't know, she is my street team leader, so if you have a myspace page and want to stop by at http://www.myspace.com/lovedst and wish her a happy birthday... it would be greatly appreciated I'm sure! As for me, I have much to accomplish today (as always) and I'm ready to kill it! Lyrics to write and songs to sing. I'm outta here! Have a good one! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/27/08
Good Times
I was out and about for nearly 12 hours straight yesterday with friends and I had a blast! Seriously, the only thing on my mind at home was my kitty. He misses me and I miss him, so when I go on tour I'm not sure how I will handle it. I'm planning a 3-4 day trip in November and my concern is if he will give me that "talk to the paw" attitude when I get home. And who could blame him! haha I know my family will watch out for him but no one wants to sleep with him cuz he gets all up in your face and purrs like a motorboat! It took me a while to get use to it. haha So I'm extremely happy with the SAW V movie and to quote Tobin Bell.. "if you are a fan of these movies, you're looking at the puzzle coming together." All I have to say now is yummy (pancakes) in my tummy and music in my heart! Tonight studio and tomorrow job. Good stuff! Hope your weekend is fabulous! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/25/08
What Are The Odds?
Answer: 3 and 5! haha Tonight, it will be back to back movies for me and my friends! And interestingly… the movies are complete opposites. First, High School Musical 3 and then, SAW V. haha Anyone that is close to me or maybe is a Dena fan (street team) on myspace knows I’m a huge SAW follower! On the other hand… High School Musical 3 is Disney and who doesn’t love Disney?! Mind you I’m not invested in it at all but its fun, mindless, sappy and oh hell…it’s just cute! I was raised dancing and singing in musicals during my school daze so I totally get it! But then we grow up and realize it’s fantasy and we soon realize there is no happily ever after! Hard work, being tested, struggling and pushing through to create a legacy is what’s real. Music will be my legacy! So I’m looking forward to being taken to the extreme’s at the movie theater and maybe I’ll have some popcorn too! Let’s blend fantasy and reality and see what we get! Mwahahaha Keep it real and have a great day! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/24/08
Cold Case
I've been looking more or less like an Oompa Loompa these past few days. That is cause I've been wearing 18 layers of clothing to keep warm! Let's face it, I just don't do cold well. My body will adjust soon I'm sure, but for now, this transformation is a little rough. Luckily, at night I have a kitty to cuddle with. Sooo...Not that anyone cares as much as me, but SAW V is debuting after midnight tonight and of course I'm super anxious to see it. I always get nervous because I want the new movie to stand up to the rest of the franchise. If it does decent at the box office then there is a good chance for more sequels to come. Saw VI is already in place for next year...but why stop there? haha Anyway, I've got to get some fuel in my stomach and start my musical day! Hope your Thursday Rocks! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/23/08
She Is Living My Dream
As promised to a few people that after the Carrie Underwood concert last night I would write all about it in my journal. So in case you didn't make it there and you're curious how it went then you've come to the right place! Starting with the opening act, Little Big Town, I must say they sounded really great. Two guys and two girls with perfect harmonies. They said they have been together as a band for 10 years and their dreams are finally coming true now. 10 FreaKin’ Years!…crazy right? Well, moving on to Miss Underwood. What a beautiful woman and what an amazing voice! To be honest I didn't know the majority of the songs, but they were all wonderful. I loved seeing all the different outfits she came out in after every couple of songs. Not to mention I was a bit jealous of her pink sparkly microphone! haha However, I have to say that my favorite part of the night was when they showed this video of her throughout her musical journey the past 3 years with all the awards she has won and all the magazine covers she has been on and all the nice things people have said about her. It ended with a clip of the finale’ of American Idol with her and Bo Bice standing on the stage and Ryan Seacrest announcing "And the winner of American Idol is…" and at that moment, the entire room went pitch black! It was emotional to say the least. It was emotional for me on a completely different level though. When I see artists like her and the success they have it makes me tear up because I'm thinking that is what I want too!! I want Arena's filled with my fans singing all the words to my songs and screaming my name! I know it will happen, I've just got to keep at it and be patient. But anyway, in my emotional state, she sang "Jesus Take The Wheel" and it all made sense. Overall the night was great, the company was great and the show was great. I'm not so sure it was great for the sound guy who got fired when Carrie's microphone stopped working for half a song though! haha How embarrassing!! Oh well, the show must go on and a true professional will make a mistake look like it was part of the act. So there it is, I can't say one bad thing. Now I'm going to work on my own dreams. Have a good one! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/22/08
Carrie Underwood
Dinner out tonight before going to see Carrie Underwood in concert with my best friends is something I'm looking forward to! I passionately voted for Carrie on American Idol to win and she did! However I don't follow her career cuz she is country and my genre is pop/rock. Honestly, I didn't even have a thought about going to see her but my very cool street team leader surprised me with tickets! For me it will be like a field trip... as I pay attention to the things fans generally don't. But a night out with my girls should be awesome! Time to glam it up and figure out just what to wear! The temperature is dropping fast and between the wind and the rain it's another day closer to winter. Brrrrrrrrrr! Hope your day/night rocks and rolls.... for me it will be country style, but good music is good music!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/21/08
Noise Free Zone Please
Sunday came and went. BLAH. After standing all day at work and feeling tired, I only wanted to lay down with my feet up for the rest of the night. So with the laptop, cell phone and kitty by my side, I did just that. The TV is always on mute in the background for my occasional glances. Right now it's very noisy outside my house with lawn mowers running and leaf blowers. If it's not music, it's noise and noise gives me anxiety! haha With the beautiful Fall colors all around it would be nice to live in the country right now. Alas, I will try to block out the noisy things that bug me and focus on my music. I wish my apartment was a like the studio and then there would be NO NOISE! mwahahahaha Peace. xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/20/08
Hurry Up and Wait
Plans for my day include working at the job and then possibly studio. This is how I do... until I get my big break. Concepts for my new song are building (in my notebook) and I'm eager to get with my song writing partner to detail it all out. My patience remains golden, as does my love for music. What's the hurry anyways? When you have something really, really good then it's worth the wait. Just need others to catch up and grab hold! Nothing mudane for me this weekend cuz I'm working the job tomorrow too! In the meantime.. keep your mind open to all possibilities, like I do, and never give up hope! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/18/08
Nail Salon
One of my close friends was feeling down last night and just like in the movie "Legally Blonde" she headed to the nail salon to get her nails done. I went with her to keep her company and the woman offered to paint my nails for free with the color of my choice. Now I’m sporting pretty pink fingernails! I’m not one to spend time on my nails unless I have a special occasion or gig. Then I wear black nail polish but generally salons don’t carry black... at least the ones I've been to. I am a total girly girl but instead of fussing over my nails, I usually bite em! haha Afterwards we went shopping for some items I needed to pick up before heading home again. Thursday night is my “Ugly Betty” night for TV and it was excellent as usual! haha Today I’m working on my own but first I need to make a quick run to the bank and then it’s music time! Have a fun Friday! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/17/08
Awakened
I was awakened early today by my best friend to meet her for breakfast to talk about her wedding, bridesmaid dresses and colors, etc. I love it! For one I hardly ever get to spend time with her with our busy schedules so the spontaneous call worked out for the best! Living the Rock star lifestyle…haha…or as some would say “Dena Time” I’m used to going to bed quite late and waking up quite late!!! So I’ll more than likely need a nap later. The rest of the accessories to my Halloween costume arrived in the mail today and I LOVE them!! It’s going to be so cute! Now I have to try on the whole thing to see how it looks. Well it’s pretty gloomy outside but I’m definitely feeling motivated to work on my music. Maybe getting fresh air early in the day will inspire me to write some killer lyrics to my new song. Ok everyone, have a good one and beeeehave yourselves! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/16/08
Dress Up
The best part of Halloween is dressing up! I look forward to dressing up every year even if I'm not even going anywhere! haha (Last year I was very disappointed that I had to cancel my gig due to illness and so not singing depressed me and so dressing up didn't happen either) This year I'm good to go! I have my costume ready and party plans! There are so many cool costumes available that it's almost hard to choose. I love wearing wigs too! Let's face it... the theatrical girl comes alive on Halloween! mwahahahaha I wanted to be Amanda from SAW but didn't think anyone who wasn't a SAW fan would know who I was. So being cute has won out this year! My heart is with Jigsaw tho! mwahahahaha Let the game begin. Now go out and enjoy the colors of fall! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/15/08
Praises To Sing
Tuesday is voice lesson day! Yay! It's basically the one thing I look forward to like clock work every week. My vocal coach doesn't teach me how to sing but she is more of an engineer that teaches me how to use my instrument properly. I have been working with her for many years now and it's been a slow and steady improvement. I have a great deal of respect for her and we have become friends over time. Not everyone "gets" it or has the patience and dedication to stick with it. But any teacher or mentor I've ever had knows... when I'm on board with them it's 110% and then some! Alrighty I've sung my praises but I need to sing my songs too! Hope your day is awesome! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/14/08
The Dena, Pinta and Santa Maria?In NY State, Columbus Day is a holiday, so government offices and public schools are closed. I had planned to cash my check today but oh well. Tomorrow. I do see more kids out and about in the neighborhood otherwise it's just like any other Monday to me. I will be working on my music, sidelining only to do some laundry and suck up the cat hair that floats around my place. When you love someone, like I love my cat, then it's not a chore. :-) My notebook is full of scrambled lyric ideas and I need to find my magic wand and magically make them come together. If that doesn't work then I have fairy dust! hahaha Ok I need to stop being so silly and turn on the brain! Go Go Dena Power! Enjoy your day everyone! haha
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/13/08
Work Weekend
…but not before I did some shopping including dinner out with my mom. I also went with a friend to see the movie “Quarantine”. I thought it was really scary but a bit dizzying because it was filmed with a hand held camera. I definitely screamed out loud a few times! Haha Then I saw this gigantic display up for SAW V and I started screaming again! (silly I know) But I think next time I go there I’m going to ask the staff if I can have it! If they say no, then I’m going to just grab it and walk out before anyone notices it‘s gone! haha J/K So anyway, instead of clubbing or bar hopping after the movie, which would probably be the typical thing to do on a Friday night, we went grocery shopping! Haha I keep telling everyone I’m pretty nerdy. Not in a book way, but I’m certainly not the “girls gone wild” type! Never have been. Let’s face it… I don’t have much on my mind other then my music career. I like some down time like anyone else and I enjoy chillin’ with friends once in a blue moon but I have never felt I’m missing out on anything. I like who I am and I like where I’m headed. If the shoe fits, where it! Haha Hope your weekend is rockin’! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/11/08
Studio Time
As good luck would have it studio time opened up for me last night when one of the other bands cancelled. That is why I must always be ready to go at any given moment because you never know when I might get the call! Not to mention I know how important it is and how lucky I am because there is so many people out there that wish they had the studio time that I have. I don't think I have ever cancelled even when I was sick. I've been bumped but getting a call from my producer to come in is like getting a call from the President! Anyways, it was a late night and a lot was accomplished so that's all that matters. If you haven't noticed by now the music world isn't on a standard time schedule... it's 24 hours/ 8 days a week! haha It's time for me to get out and enjoy my day! Now go do the same with yours!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/10/08
"If You Have A Dream, You Hold Fast To That Dream and You Don’t Let Nobody Hit You With No Bitch Ass Ness and Tell YOU You Can't Do Something You Wanna Do" - Diddy
If any of you have watched “Making The Band 4” then you’ve seen exactly how it is to work with a Pro like Diddy. I’ve been primed to already be at that level by my producer whose standards are equal to Diddy’s. The only difference is the amount of money that is at stake. I’ve made the same mistakes those groups and individuals have made and learned very quickly what is acceptable and what is not. My producer treats everyone the same and doesn’t sway from his methods for anyone he works with so when someone crashes and burns it’s because they didn’t want it like they thought they did. I’ve cried my share of tears and I’ve had to suck it up but I knew then and I know now it was to make me a stronger artist. You have to have trust your leader and never think for a minute you have it all figured out. Soon as you do that, you are D-O-N-E. So be cool and follow the rules! And definitely don’t let NO BITCH ASS NESS get in the way of YOUR dreams! ;-) xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/09/08
Burning Passion
I have so much passion to burn!!! AHHHHHHHH! I am reaching for the stars just like so many of you with big dreams and everyday my commitment grows stronger. I know it’s not just wishful thinking. It’s that gut feeling I know all too well. I’ve felt it all my life and I have plans baby! I’ve made major steps forward toward my goals and I will never stop singing and improving. My future depends mostly on my positive outlook, hard work and yes of course… some good luck. I’m in a good position right now. But if another brick wall goes up (and it surely will) I will just have to knock that sh*t down! Haha And while I’m reaching for that brass ring, I am holding tight onto what’s good in my life that’s genuine and real. Writing lyrics are on my to do list today. Have an awesome hump day everyone! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/08/08
Thoughts
I like my job and the people I work with and so far no conflicts with my music career. I cleaned at work last night but no matter...the pay is the same for whatever I'm asked to do. I would think most musicians have at least a part time job. Like aspiring actors, we have to have the freedom to leave for an audition or gig. The thing I have to think about before too long is health benefits. Scary thought, when what I'm covered with now under my dad isn't very good. I have a voice lesson today and not sure what else later but I hope it's good! Peace. xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/07/08
HOW RUDE?!
No one is perfect, but be haughty and rude to me, then I’m out. No arguments, no retaliation. Yes, so it goes, someone thought I was being rude to them and in-turn was rude to me. I believe their rudeness was triggered by something they took offense to that I may have said or something I did, OR maybe I was just the first available nice person that they could kick, knowing I wouldn't fight back? It felt like high school all over again. But alas it wasn’t intentional on my part, so their rude attitude made things very weird. It obviously bothered me enough to write about it but it's also cathartic for me. I believe it takes strength to be polite when facing rudeness. Sharp tongues and sarcasm get people in more trouble and I'm all about avoiding confrontation. Maybe if I had been born a man I'd be punching someone's lights out?! hahahaha yeah... probably not. Get happy people! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/06/08
Calling on "The Beatles" for inspiration yet again! Blame it on "Panic At The Disco". haha Ultimately, it's "The Beatles", since "PATD" also looked to "The Beatles" for their inspiration before coming up with their own amazing record. My next song that Jeff DaBella and I are writing together is strongly inspired by the combo of the 2 bands. Past and present if you will. It will definitely have our own creative signature stamp. It's new territory for both of us and it's not a pop arrangement either. The music is playing over and over and my mind is swirling with ideas for lyrics right now, so I need to get it all down. I hope your Sunday rates right up there with one of the best ever! I'm counting on it! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/05/08
PAIN PAIN GO AWAY!
In all honesty, my day has started off pretty crappy. Yeah, but, feeling sorry for myself only works for about a minute and then I go straight to humor to get over it! Physical pain is tougher to deal with but distraction is the name of the game. I have to work at the job for about 5 hours today and if I make it through that then I can do anything! haha There is no way I will allow my day to go in the dumper so bring on the challenges! I will just keep moving in the right direction that I know what works for me, and there will be no stopping me! SO TAKE THAT, PAIN!!! If you have any extra prayers handy, please offer one up for me today or just send me some good vibes! And have a fun day everyone!!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/04/08
My Best Friend
Yes it's true. Nearly everything I do when I'm home, my best friend is with me! Here I had just downloaded my songs off Rhapsody to my cell phone and was listening to "Reasons". Whenever I sing or he hears my voice (and thinks I'm singing cuz he stares at me) he will follow me and sit attentively meowing along to the music! My mom captured this shot with her cell phone and we always say we need to get him on video! He is so precious and I love him so much! hehe The next photo shows how the minute I lay down he snuggles up close under the covers with me. I can tell him anything and he never gives my secrets away either! hehe Just thought you would like to see my sweet kitty and how we do!
Be sweet! And always be kind to animals! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/03/08
I
The Positive Yesterday’s staff meeting/training session at my work was interesting. Some upgrades and changes are happening to clean things up and bring things up to speed. We will be sporting a “uniform” look, which I’m all for. I like working in a positive environment and this group definitely is. Mostly on my mind… I had my fingers & toes crossed for a VIP meeting about me and my music career that was supposed to be happening last night but it was bumped to a later date. As I see it, it just gives me more time to get more prayers in. Really! I’m rested, I’ve eaten and I’m already in the zone for practicing piano. Just gotta move my butt from this computer chair to the piano bench! Haha See ya later! Make nice everyone! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/02/08
Cold and Flu Season
I’ve avoided going to the studio in over a week because my producer has been one of the unlucky ones to be suffering with a major cold already this season. It’s a nightmare for a singer to catch a cold and nearly unavoidable. The last thing I need is to be sick and not be able to record for weeks on end. My job puts me in the public around kids and so I get into this major hand washing mode that makes me seem like a person with OCD. I have a mandatory training session to go to for work later but first some singing to get in. It will be a full day which I like. I know when I'm actually put on a full time schedule with touring and doing interviews, photo shoots, writing, recording, and bouncing all over the place, I will be happiest. Key word.. “when”! You have to visualize people!! haha Happy October 1st everyone!! xoxo
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
10/01/08
~ Past Journal Entries ~
Dec. '08
Nov. '08
Sept. '08
Aug. '08
July '08
June '08
May '08
April '08
March '08
Feb. '08
January '08
Dec. '07
Nov. '07
October '07
Sept. '07
August '07
June '07
May '07
April '07
March '07
February '07
January '07
