When It Rains It Pours

A rainy day/night plus a storm brought heavy rain dripping through the ceiling of a section in our house that repeatedly does this. Try as my parents may, even with contractors help, we can't seem to find the trail to stop it before it starts. And if that isn't aggravating enough our main computer crashed and along with it, valuable data. We are all freakin' out! That is as serious as it gets right? I'm not scheduled for any rehearsals this week so my deal is to work on my own. No prob there. I'm hanging in here and crossing my fingers all my business and fan mail is retrievable. Hope your hump day is better then mine! Peace. xoxo
 
Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
07/23/08

---

Natasha Bedingfield

These words are my own...she is flippin', freakin', amazing to see and hear in person!!! I worked yesterday and then got ready to travel a couple hours away to see her perform LIVE. She sounds exactly like her songs and is sooo pretty! Her backup band and singers were so tight and I absorbed the whole experience like a sponge! No cameras were allowed so I have no pictures but it was killing me not to pull out my cell phone and attempt it! I saw some bold people that did do that but I am one to respect the artists' requests! Today I'm back on the job but singing when I get home. I'm missing yet another voice lesson because of work and I need to figure something out with that. Okay, everyone be happy and get inspired to do what you love! xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
07/22/08

---

Some Things Are Worth Waiting For

That pretty much says it all for how I'm feeling. Other than that, it's about staying focused. Hopefully you all had an awesome weekend and your week ahead will be even more awesome! Keep singing! Make music! Be sweet! :-)

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
07/20/08

---

AWAY

I went out of town yesterday to a wedding of people I’d never met! Haha Yeah, I was "the date" of one of the invited guests but I really felt like a wedding crasher! Haha It was unexpected fun and I’m glad I went. It was a very hot but beautiful day and they exchanged vows in a small chapel on the lake! I loved it! Something about blue sky and blue water with a light breeze is so peaceful. The rest of my weekend I’ll be working so the spontaneous outing yesterday was a nice get-a-way! I won’t be having studio time this Saturday night which feels weird. My producer has to be with this other band he produces for their gig out of town. He has to make sure sound and stuff is perfect just like he does for my shows. Ahh well. Hope you weekend rocks whatever you do!!! xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
07/19/08

---

Aim HIGH

It is better to aim for the moon and hit the top of the telelphone pole than to aim for the top of the telelphone pole and shoot yourself in the foot! ;-) xoxo

The End.

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
07/17/08

---

Today

It's Wednesday and I was just looking back on yesterday, yet ahead to tomorrow. Today is a full day of me and my music for a change and so I'm pumped! It is a beautiful day outside and aside from having cramps...(yes I said cramps) I'm in a great mood. I'm gonna rehearse today and rehearse tonight too. Along with some over due cleaning up I have to do around my apartment and of course my daily dose of Big Brother live feeds haha. Whatever you do today...I hope it's fun! xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
07/16/08

---

Dullsville

More of the same...work, work, work! I have to miss my voice lesson today and it's really one of my top 3 things I look forward to the most! Grrrrrr I'm leaving the house soon so I'm writing a quickie, letting you know that there is nothing exciting or new happening with me. Hense I'm calling this entry Dullsville! hahahahahahaha I think it's really called normal.....WHICH I HATE! Sorry, I'm not a hater really... Have an awesome day! Be saweet!  xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
07/15/08

---

BB Love

Yeah baby…I’m so excited for BB10 and I’m looking forward to watching these people with all their manipulation, backstabbing and lieing! Haha It’s all good for the game but in real life I hate drama! It’s funny to hear them say only after one day how the walls feel like they are closing in. But no sympathy from me…they signed up and asked for it! (live feeds) haha I had to work the job for a few hours today. Other stuff happening includes singing and keeping up with admin stuff with a large dose of BB Love! Keep the music loud and get your shine on for the week ahead! It’s great to be alive and free! Hehe xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
07/14/08

---

A Chill Sunday

I've only had a few hours of sleep but I feel pretty good right now! Maybe later I'll nap. The neighbors are pounding and sawing next door, (on a Sunday no less), and it's impossible to shut out that kind of noise. I'm so ready for tonight's season premiere of Big Brother 10! I have the live feed set up for the first time ever. I have to try to not become obsessed with watching though, as I do have a life of my own to live. I wanted to try out for the show actually but there is no way with trying to get my music career off the ground at this time to be secluded for 3 months! And I didn't want to be known as that girl that sings from BB10 later on! So yeah...I have a VIP meeting tonight for an important future gig and that is my priority! So keeping it chill is the order of the day! And right now I'm thinking FOOD! haha Let's eat!!! Hope your Sunday rocks!!! xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
07/13/08

---

It's a beautiful day and I've decided to meet up with a couple friends for lunch before my crazy night begins. Fish anyone?? I really don't eat enough of it. And fishy crackers don't count! hahaha My favorite kind of fish is Salmon and I heard recently that they are becoming more and more endangered! NOOO! I was super bummed to hear that! I'm going into work early tonight until closing and then directly hitting up the studio afterwards til who knows when! I love being busy and I love to keep things moving in my life cause when I stop I get really antsy and kinda grumpy. haha Well off to enjoy the day...hope you are too! xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
07/12/08

---

Welcome Luck

Instant success is really nice when it comes right? I'm asking cuz I wouldn't know! haha Instant success depends upon being at exactly the right place at precisely the right time. This has yet to be the case for me. I'll be one of those "overnight" success stories that actually put years of hard work in! Of course, I wish for the immediate results, but realistically, grounded success results over time with a strong commitment. I don't think I could do anything any different then what I'm doing really. At least I'm not floundering. I have what it takes. I have the tools. I know what I want. So even though I won't be waiting around for luck to pay me a visit, my welcome mat is out! hahaha Have an awesome Friday! xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
07/11/08

---

Bad & Good

I had an interesting night at the job. I had to deal with a group of people that I found absolutely disgusting in behavior with a total disregard toward women and they were just down right filthy. Clean up after they departed left me never wanting to encounter them again in any situation! I never thought I would have such a strong opinion about a whole group of people like this. I truly always try to find good in everyone. I think the next time this group of people wishes to party down, that all guys should be working the joint cuz I will walk off! Thankfully, later I was in my element with my people to finish my night off singing and in good humor! My voice was strong and on target at rehearsal. The star I found on my windshield said it all! E loves me! haha Oh yeah, Happy Birthday E! Anyways, it's about taking the bad and the good! That's that rollercoaster we all ride everyday and I'm smilin' cuz I'm alive and learning!!!! Hands up in the air everyone! xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
07/10/08

---

Pick Me! Pick Me!

It was my first time ever experiencing jury duty and I have to admit I liked it. Everyone probably thinks I'm strange that I actually wanted to be picked, but hey, told ya I'm different. haha Who knows, maybe someday I will get the chance to do it. I was in and out in an hour & 1/2 and so it really didn't put much of a dent in my day, considering I was excused at the time I normally wake up in the morning. Afterwards I went over to my grandma's house with my mom and she made us breakfast. How come food always tastes better when someone that you love makes it for ya?? Really really, I just think it's all about the love they put into it! I have a busy night ahead with work and then rehearsal immediately afterwards. Hope you get to eat some food made with love! haha xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
07/09/08

---

So Much

Well so much for rehearsal with my guitar player last night. Not sure if he forgot or had a change of plans because I don't talk to him directly. Arrangements are not made by me. But never a moment wasted because it gave my producer and me more time to work on another new song! It's really, really cool...but of course it's not as if we'd try to write a bad song! haha I locked my keys in the car for the first time! So a quick phone call home sent my brother to the studio with extra keys! :-) I do have a voice lesson later on today, which is good since I had to miss last week because of work. It's all a juggling act that is for sure. I find out later too if I have to report for jury duty in the morning. I'll let you know tomorrow how all that goes! Everyone stay saweet! xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
07/08/08

---

Gotta Do What I Gotta Do

I have to say I love being super busy, but at the same time I feel like such a nerd when I'm ready to sleep at 10:30 at night! I may be ready, but I never, ever go to sleep that early. haha This part-time job I have is nearly full time and I hate to refuse the hours cuz I need the money. I'm hoping in the near future I will be busy 24/7 with nothing but music related business! Today I'm going to be busy rehearsing here at home and then practice with my guitar player later. I have 2 days off from my job. In a row! haha Now I can focus on my music! Yay!! I hope your Monday is excellente'!

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
07/07/08

---

Over Time

Geesh, I've been working a lot of hours! I'm feeling pretty tired too. Taking care of administrative details with my managers help plus personal stuff that only I deal with, keep me from just stepping out to have a care-free time. I've tried to claim some quality time with friends and people I love but it's been short and sweet. Thank God they love me enough to put up with my crazy schedule. It tends to weed out the true friends from the fair weather friends for sure. I'm avoiding crawling up in a ball with my cat right now and over-thinking issues that weigh heavily on my mind. Maybe a game of cards or a light hearted movie is my next move before bed tonight!  I hope your weekend was KILLER boys & girls! xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
07/06/08

---

Happy 4th of July! I'm working toward my independence! Hope your day rocks!

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
07/04/08

---

ENCHANTED

Once upon a time I did look at life through rose colored glasses. Haven’t in a long time though. Come on…I’m working hard! What I’m doing is real, it’s important and I own it! I believe one of the first things my producer said to me was …the music industry is rough, tough, harsh and I wouldn’t want my kids in it, so you better be sure this is what you want. Well that was like asking me if I wanted water after being in the dessert for days. DUH! I’m here to stay. I’m good to go at a moment’s notice…with my music as wings! Who’s coming with me?! hehe Happy hump day! xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
07/02/08

---

Looking Forward

I'm lookin' forward to lookin' back on these days. Yes, that would be me humming a Mandy Moore tune in my head. Don't get me wrong, I know I have the world practically in the palm of my hand, but sometimes it doesn't necessarily feel like that. I have so many things I want to do in life and I just feel like I haven't even began to do them yet. Who knows, maybe I have and I just don't realize it. I worked the job today and had to forego my voice lesson, which sucks. I'm about to start filling out the paperwork to enter a few of my songs in a song writing contest but the results won't be until 2009! Doing myspace is a given for my night. Well, I better get busy! Be awesome! xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
07/01/08

---

Over and Out

For June that is! That also means 2008 is at the half way point. Amazing isn't it? haha So has anyone heard Jordin Sparks' new single? It's called "One Step At A Time" and I absolutely love it. It's pretty much exactly how I feel at this point in my life. It's a great follow up to "No Air" which is a duet with Chris Brown and it's probably my most favorite song in a long time. Whenever I listen to music it just frees me. Freeing me from stress, from problems, from pain, and heightens my happy thoughts. I consider it my drug of choice! I need it every day! I can sing things that I wouldn't normally say. Even when I was a child I felt sorta like a loner and different and so I'd sing songs to cope with my feelings. Music is just in my blood and it's not something you can explain really. I'm so passionate about it that is sometimes it makes me cry. The hardest thing is pushing through this business to make it a lifelong career so it will pay the bills too. Unlike some people that have connections and an in without paying one frickin due... for me it's HARD WORK! BUT I LOVE IT! Be strong and go for your dreams everyone! xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
06/30/08

---

 

There isn't really anything awesome to write about today except maybe this beautiful rainbow outside my window that I almost missed had my mom not yelled out to look! I get caught up with what I'm doing and nothing else matters sometimes. I had worked all day and before I was about to chill for the night, I was cleaning up a bit. I don't know if rainbows are for wishing upon but I made my wish. Before this day passes I want to give a shout out to all my fans!!! The fan mail has been extra awesome lately! So hopefully your weekend was fabulous and it continues to be so, for your week ahead. It's the end June 2008. Already forgotten. Will July 2008 be the month to remember? haha Who knows!?! xoxo 

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
06/29/08

---

 (Sing it!)

Good thing I wore my hair up with this heat today. I had to work outside and I wish so bad I could jump in a swimming pool RIGHT NOW!  One look at my white ass and you can tell I'm inside all the time. Did I tell you I never learned how to swim? Been to a beach like once in my life and going to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon for the day when I was 12 is barely a memory. It's not swimming weather where I live very often but today qualifies as one and I'm craving to be wrapped up in water! To just float and feel weightlessness. So yeah, a shower it is to refresh and then hit up the studio for some quality music time. Got a few things to go over business wise plus continued work on another awesome new song! So I'll keep swimming my way... upstream and out of the water! Dude, like whoa! haha xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
06/28/08

---

Caught Up

Caught up on some ZZZzzzzz’s this morning! Braided wet hair is my choice for keeping it cool. I must work tonight so the next few hours will go by fast I’m sure with all I have to get done. I was bumming a bit earlier because I had to refuse a gig offer because of the shortness of notice. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it does not. Scheduling is key with me, mostly because the guys in my band have other things going on and they have to be available too. These awesome musicians are working hard trying to make it their way too but are happy to block out time to back me up. We all just need more then a moment’s notice to pull it together. Well, I hope your Friday is fly! Best! xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
06/27/08

---

P

I've been putting in a lot of extra hours at the job and at night I'm beat. This is called normal. WTF?!! I don't wanna do normal! While I'm doing all this normal shiz, my camp is picking up the slack for me and I'm feeling left out of the loop. But no one can sing for me and I did have rehearsal with my guitar player last night. It was one of the best where we both were on target. But I was home early to get to bed so I could wake up early for work. I guess this is God's plan for me till something awesome hits! The P in my patience is getting bigger by the minute!!! With a lovely fish dinner in my tummy, here I sit chillin' at the computer working myspace of course, and sipping on lemon water. Have a great night and I hope your frustrations are small and your patience pays off. xoxo 

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
06/26/08

---

Sing Anyway…

Some days there won't be a song in your heart. Sing anyway. ~Emory Austin

Even if it’s a sad song. Besides... if you don’t lift yourself up with your own songs then your friends might try to sing to you and that isn’t necessarily a good thing! Hahaha My friends are awesome but… Haha At the opposite side of this sentiment, I thought of this one girl back in middle/high school that loved my voice and told me all the time that one day she thought I was going to be famous! She always asked me to sing something during lunch break and would even call me and have me sing something over the phone! She could sing pretty decent herself but didn’t have the desire or focus like me. She told me my singing made her happy and obviously her telling me that, made me feel great! We weren’t close friends really and I have no clue where she is today but I wish I touched everyone with my music that way. To reach the masses with my music…yeah baby…that would be a dream come true! You will find me singing sad songs & happy songs and everything in between....anyway… Try lifting your spirits with music!  xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
06/25/08

---

Tuesday

So today I finally have a day off..kinda. I don't really have time off because I will be spending some quality time on myspace  today plus singing later with a voice lesson. I need to take advantage of this time since the rest of the week is gonna be jam packed with work and rehearsal time combined. My mom surprised me with pancakes & eggs for brunch today and of course I was pumped about that! haha My kitty is attached to me to make sure I'm not leaving him since I've been out and about nearly every day so I think we need to get in some cuddling. Well I've gotta say I have some really cool things in the works and once confirmed, you all will be the first to know. lol Okie dokie my delights, have a delicious day! xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
06/24/08

---

Work, Work, Work

Where does the time go? I worked almost an 8 hour day at the job and it was non-stop moving around and getting it done! When work is busy there is no time to look at the clock and think about time. It's like when I'm writing songs with my producer, we are so focused we lose track of time. That's when it's the absolute best! This month I've been on this new schedule with waking up early and even though it's kinda rough, I feel very accomplished. I can do anything I put my mind to. However, I forget to eat sometimes and it's messing with my journal entry timing too. haha But I finally do end up eating eventually and my computer is ready for input at a moment's notice. Maybe someday I'll have a blackberry, which would be cool!!! I truly hope your Monday was awesome! xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
06/23/08

---

Busy Saturday

Saturday came and went in a flash! I worked the job several hours early in the day and then had a private party to sing at in the evening! I barely had enough time to eat and between warming up the vocals and getting ready I found sitting at the computer was nearly impossible so I missed dropping you a hello. For starters I’d like to express my thanks to the birthday girl, Cassandra, and her parents for asking me to perform. You and your peeps are a pretty classy bunch! Today I have to work again but my night will be crashing in front of the tv and I don’t care what’s on. haha Have a wonderful day everyone! xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
06/22/08

---

Multi-Tasking

Great day today! I worked the job and brought home 2 paychecks because apparently I had a check in the drawer I overlooked from when I first started. Pshhhh, that's pretty cool! It's like finding money you didn't know you had! I've got to run my set now before I do anything else tonight. I did however get the garb laid out and nail polish on now cuz tomorrow I have to work the job besides my gig at night so I'm multi-tasking. I love staying busy! I hope your Friday rocks! The rain outside is cold and gloomy but the sunshine is here in my heart. Yeah!!! xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
06/20/08

---

I'm Particular

Awesome acoustic rehearsal last night. I love having back to back performances. It keeps me in the zone and my music gets heard! Also, put together some mix minus’s for the private party this Saturday as an added bonus. Talk of an outdoor show over Labor Day Weekend is in the beginning stages and it would be so cool to rock out with a full band for a change of pace. I hope it pans out. Lots of gigging opportunities come in but I’m pretty particular about what I accept. I’m not into playing bars like most local bands do on a regular basis. I don’t sing cover songs either so weddings are out. It’s really not about conquering my home turf anyways…it’s really more about leaving my home turf. haha Soon as my music takes flight I’ll be the happiest girl alive! No, these baby steps are not killing me because slow and steady wins the race but my wings are on!!! haha Come fly with me! xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
06/19/08

---

So where did the heat go?! It's like in the 50 degree range today and everyone is in shock. Not that I loved the 95 degree weather with a side of humidity either, but how bout something in the middle? The weather is kinda like life, we are never satisfied with it!! Actually now that I think about it, Panic! At The Disco wrote a song using weather as a parallel to love and life. It's quite clever, but I think all their lyrics are. Did I ever mention that I LOVE THEM!! Yep, Yep, ever since I Write Sins, Not Tragedies came out on the radio I was hooked! I like how they use elements of theater in their music along with major influences such as the Beatles. How could you go wrong with that?! Well, it's pretty different, but hence the name of their new record, it's "Pretty. Odd". haha Well I have so much to get done and the day is already slipping away from me. Acoustic rehearsal tonight should be good times though! Happy Wednesday... xoxo

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
06/18/08

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
06/17/08

At approx. 6:25 PM today I'll be singing at the Oakdale Mall (by Macys) at the close of the local news broadcast on Newschannel 34. I believe this is my 4th time and I know the drill. It's quick and fun but very pro! I will be singing all afternoon hopefully knocking out this damn irritating mucus that is relentless. I need to get in the zone asap before time slips away. I would love to have a make-up artist and hair stylist to fuss over me while I concentrate on my vocals but that's an experience I've only had once so far. It was a treat for real! Hope your day is awesome and fun!!! I'm smilin' and singin'! Be sweet. xoxo  

Always Love and Music, ~Dena~
06/12/08