August 2008

Evacuation Begins… Sunday, August 31, 2008; 12:45am

by Dianne on August 30, 2008

Hurricane Gustav - God Bless This Home on Neighbor\'s Boarded-Up House

Hurricane Gustav - God Bless This Home on Neighbor's Boarded-Up House

Friends:

My family and I are heading to Birmingham, Alabama. Although it is a 6 hour drive normally, we anticipate we will hit massive evacuation traffic as all of the Gulf Coast residents flee the fury of Gustav, the monster hurricane.

This is my last post from my laptop for a while. All other posts will be made from my phone, if possible. I will also be micro-blogging via Twitter, which can be found on the front page of my website.

Thank you to everyone who has been sending well-wishes and prayers our way. Please pray for everyone whose homes and lives are in the path of this storm. Godspeed and Safe Travels to all hurricane evacuees…

Warmly, Dianne

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The Origin of the Word “Hurricane”

by Dianne on August 30, 2008

Hurricane Katrina Image

Hurricane Katrina Image

Friends:

My friend, Photographer Randy Richards, sent me an email about the origin of the word “hurricane.” So I did a little research. This comes from www.helium.com by Frances Jock:

“There are two possible origins of the word “hurricane.” According to one source, the word “Hurricane” is derived from the Spanish word “huracn.” The origin of which is the Carib term for “God of Evil”. Other sources, however, postulate that the word is derived from the name of the Mayan storm god, “Hurakan.” According to the Popol Vuh, which recounts the Mayan Creation Myth, Huracan (from Mayan Jun Raqan) is the ancient Mayan weather god of wind, storm, and fire. Hurakan is “the one-legged”, and one of three creator deities, collectively called “the Heart of Heaven,” that participates in three attempts at creating humanity first from mud, and then wood. The final and successful creation resulted in the creation of mankind from maize.

The Creation Myth also reveals that Hurakan caused the Great Flood after the first humans angered the gods. According to the myth, he lived in the windy mists above the floodwaters and repeatedly called forth the earth until land came up from beneath the seas. His “one legged” appearance refers to one of his legs having been transformed into a snake. His appearance features a snout-like nose, resembles that of the Aztec god Tezcatlipoca. Hurakan can also be spelled Hurrican, Huracan, & Harakan.”

Well, it appears this angry God of wind and storm is snaking into the Gulf as I write, a strong Category 4 hurricane. May he have mercy upon us…

Until next time…

Warmly,
Dianne

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Gustav Developments; Saturday, August 30, 2008; 1:45pm

by Dianne on August 30, 2008

Hurricane Gustav TV Image

Hurricane Gustav TV Image

Friends:

Overnight, Hurricane Gustav strengthened to a Category 3 then while I was watching this forecast, it was upgraded to a Category 4. We are definitely evacuating tonight, driving when it’s cooler and when there is less traffic. We are finishing with our packing and monitoring the hurricane’s path. We are still unsure whether to head east or west. Overnight, the hurricane took a slight jog to the east, changing its path just slightly but still keeping us in grave danger. It is predicted to strengthen to a Category 5.

Mayor Ray Nagin has asked citizens of New Orleans to voluntarily evacuate. Tomorrow, a mandatory evacuation order will likely be issued.

This is a picture of my neighborhood as it looks today.

Hurricane Gustav Before Picture of Neighborhood

Hurricane Gustav Before Picture of Neighborhood

Most people are packing and preparing to leave. I did talk to a neighbor and his son, who said that they were staying. When I asked him if he had an axe (to break through the roof in the event of flooding), he said, “No.” And his house is a one-story home. I am bewildered about his decision. After everything that happened with Hurricane Katrina, you would think that people would take extra precautions and evacuate. I hope my neighbor changes his mind.

As I watch the weather forecast, I learned that the storm has not only intensified but it has huge feeder bans. It is growing in strength as well as size. If the storm continues on its projected path, it is predicted that our area (the West Bank) will see water and flooding like we have never seen before. Most of the computer models have the hurricane coming straight for the South East Louisiana coastline. We are definitely taking this seriously. Our favorite meteorologist, Bob Breck, says that everyone should leave by tomorrow morning. He said, “I am really frightened about the West Bank.”

We live very close to the Harvey Industrial Canal which, according to parish officials, can only handle a Category 1 hurricane. Storm surge and heavy rains will be of great concern. If you are interested in checking out our local news, tune in to WWL Channel 4 on the web (http://www.wwltv.com). WWL kept us informed during Katrina, much better than the national news.

Our oldest daughter, Soleil (18), is in Texas visiting her boyfriend. She tried to change her flight on Southwest and they have her flying in at 7pm tomorrow night into the New Orleans airport. By then, we will have evacuated. I can’t believe that Southwest would allow people to fly in when city, parish and state officials are asking people to leave. We told Soleil to stay in touch with us. We’ll have her cancel her flight if need be. We will keep her out of harm’s way.

Even if the storm misses us (hopefully), there will be widespread power outages and no access to resources such as food and water. All the Wal-Marts have closed already! Now that should tell you something…

I will continue to keep you updated via this blog and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/storyconnection). I can blog by email and twitter by text from my cell phone (as long as it works).

Again, thank you for all your emails and well-wishes. I appreciate your keeping our family in your prayers.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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The Calm Before Gustav

by Dianne on August 29, 2008

Hurricane Gustav Before Houst Photo

Hurricane Gustav Before House Photo

Friends:

Here we are on the 3rd Anniversary of Katrina, preparing to evacuate from Hurricane Gustav. My husband, Antonio, works for LSU Health Sciences Center (medical center) in downtown New Orleans. He is considered essential personnel until they release him. We are unable to evacuate until he is released.

I am busy packing and securing the house. Our oldest daughter, Soleil (18), is a student at LSU in Baton Rouge. She left on Thursday to visit her boyfriend in Houston so she is in Texas right now. LSU is closed on Tuesday in light of the storm.

My youngest daughter, Eliana (8), is in third grade. Her school is closed Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. Everyone on the Gulf Coast is taking this hurricane very seriously. Local, state, and federal government officials are working together to institute as smooth an evacuation as possible. Right now, Gustav has not yet entered the Gulf of Mexico so his path is still uncertain. They cannot pinpoint an exact landfall at this time. So that kind of leaves us in limbo. We don’t know whether to head east or west.

Our TVs are glued to local news, monitoring latest developments and waiting for voluntary and mandatory evacuation orders to be issued. Of course, my phone is ringing off the hook (and emails are flowing in) with people wondering what our plans are.

My brother is a police officer with Louisiana Medical Center (formerly Charity Hospital of New Orleans). He is emergency personnel and cannot leave. His four children (Jourdan (10), Camrynn (9), Ashlynn (7), and Jasmynn (6)) will be evacuating with my mom and stepdad. We plan on caravanning together to evacuate Louisiana. We will keep in touch with each other via 2 way radios if our cell phones stop working. I also have a GPS, which should help map out alternate routes if the evacuation routes are clogged. I just don’t want to spend 17-24 hours on the road! Ugh!

Contraflow (when traffic for the region is all outgoing) will be instituted for Orleans and Jefferson Parish Saturday night or Sunday morning. We want to try to get out before a mandatory evacuation order is issued. The news is predicting, as of this moment, that Gustav will make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane. If it lands anywhere near where we live, that would be disastrous.

My hope is that we will evacuate and be able to return after a few days with no damage to our home. It’s hard to think that another Katrina-type scenario could happen.

I have packed up all my CD masters and book files, as well as essential office files. I am bringing more than I did for Katrina in the event we will be displaced for a while. We are elevating important items in the event our home floods. I have also packed our important documents – mortgage and insurance information, vital records, and photos.

You can keep up with me via this blog as well as Twitter (storyconnection). My webmaster, Heidi, will be putting important updates on the front page of my website. Please pray for all Gulf Coast residents…

My family and I appreciate your concerns and well wishes. Thank you so much!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Soleil is Moved Into Her Dorm at LSU

by Dianne on August 29, 2008

LSU 2008 - Soleil's Freshman Dorm Room - Complete View

LSU 2008 - Soleil's Freshman Dorm Room - Complete View

Friends:

Last week, my husband, my mom, and I moved Soleil into her dorm room at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It was bittersweet for me. Things had been very tense leading up to the weeks before she left – I guess it’s just Mom not wanting to lose control. But that’s what life is about — allowing your children to spread wings and fly away on their own.

To keep my mind occupied, I decided to dive deep into planning and organizing her dorm room. It helped distract me from thinking about the real issue – my first-born baby leaving home… Anyway, when we arrived, Soleil was left with with the top bunk, a small desk area, and a shoe box closet. Her roommates had the privilege of moving in ahead of schedule because they were sorority pledges.

We started out with a cute theme – hot pink, black and white. Soleil chose her colors and her bedding. I made zebra fabric roll pillows – fun. Here is a picture of her top bunk. A metal tray clips to her bed to hold her alarm clock/iPod dock. A clip on lamp provides light. Check out the art above her bed. Those are photographs we bought in NYC in July from a street vendor.

LSU 2008 - Soleil's Freshman Dorm - Top Bunk

LSU 2008 - Soleil's Freshman Dorm - Top Bunk

My husband and I built the white bookcase to provide more storage. It is placed in the space between the closet and the end of the bed, which would have otherwise been dead space. Here, she stores clothes, utility items, dishware, and linens. The top of the of bookcase serves as a “nightstand” since she’s on the top bunk. A hot pink feather boa hangs over the window for fun. You can’t see it (and I forgot to take pics) but I also made a curtain with accents of hot pink, lime green and zebra to unify Soleil and her roommates’ color themes.

LSU 2008 - Soleil's Freshman Dorm - Bookcase

LSU 2008 - Soleil's Freshman Dorm - Bookcase

The desk area is so ooh la la. With Soleil’s favorite icon of style and beauty, Marilyn Monroe, setting the glamourous atmosphere, the desk is dressed with a zebra runner (made by my mom). The small university-provided bookshelf houses desk necessities, a coffee center, and make-up. This desk triples as a work space, eating area, and vanity.

LSU 2008 - Soleil's Freshman Dorm Room - Desk

LSU 2008 - Soleil's Freshman Dorm Room - Desk

Next, I had to tackle the closet. There was little hanging space but fortunately, there are built-in shelves. Storage is maximized with over-the-door hooks on the front of the closet door and an over-the-door shoe organizer on the inside of the closet door. Everything in Soleil’s area is containerized and labeled.

LSU 2008 - Soleil's Freshman Dorm Room - Closet

LSU 2008 - Soleil's Freshman Dorm Room - Closet

In the end, Soleil LOVED her room and so did her friends.

LSU 2008 - Soleil & Friends in Dorm Room

LSU 2008 - Soleil & Friends in Dorm Room (Soleil in the middle)

Yes, moving her in was not easy but we made it through. When I walk by her room at home, I still feel twinges of sadness and longing for the little girl she used to be. But I am happy that she has grown into an intelligent, independent young woman with a bright future ahead of her. Like I said — bittersweet. But then again, bittersweet is my favorite kind of chocolate. You can’t appreciate the sweet without a little bitter…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Dianne’s New Books

by Dianne on August 29, 2008

Friends:

Since I have been back in my office, things have been hopping! My website was hacked over the summer, causing numerous problems you won’t even believe. Thankfully, after a lot of work, Heidi, my fabulous web designer, got to the bottom of the problem and fixed things, including my blog. So now, I can blog again. Yay!

I have been working on numerous book projects. The Story Biz Handbook: How to Manage Your Storytelling Career from the Desk to the Stage has been sent to the printer. It will be out by the end of September, early October. It is 30 chapters on everything you wanted to know about being a professional storyteller. You can order a copy from Libraries Unlimited (http://www.lu.com) or from any major online retailer. This is what the book looks like:

The Story Biz Handbook

The Story Biz Handbook

I am now working on the final proofing of Tangram Tales: Story Theater Using the Ancient Chinese Puzzle. I am really excited about this book. It bring stories and story theater to life in a whole new way, using Tangrams. As far as I know, it’s the first book of its kind. Tangram Tales should be out by the end of the year, if all goes well with production.

Tangram Tales

Tangram Tales

I also just finished with the final proofing of my first picture book, The Cajun Cornbread Boy, a spicy twist on The Gingerbread Man folktale. The illustrator, Marita Gentry, did a fantastic job and I am soooo excited about this book. It has been my dream since I was a child to publish a picture book. Special thanks to my editor, Nina, who made the book shine. I hope there will be many more picture books to come! There is something so magical about a picture book. Even as an adult, I am mesmerized by both the words and the illustrations in a fantastic picture book. Check out the book’s phenomenal cover…

The Cajun Cornbread Boy

The Cajun Cornbread Boy

I will be working on more book projects in the upcoming months, including writing Scared Silly: 25 Tales to Tickle and Thrill, which is due in December.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Dianne’s Summer Travels – August 2008

by Dianne on August 29, 2008

Friends:

I spent a week in San Francisco and Berkeley, California. I presented two storytelling concerts and two professional development sessions at the International Association of School Librarianship Conference in Berkeley. I met librarians from all over the globe – the United States, Japan, Korea, China, Sweden, Germany, Australia, Austria, India, New Zealand, Canada, Jamaica, and so many other countries. I even received a gift of vegemite to go! It was such a wonderful conference – I was truly inspired by my new international friends. Thank you so much, IASL librarians! A special thank you to Blanche Woolls and Kristin Fontichiaro.

This is a picture of librarians doing a story theater exercise in my Story Fest workshop.

IASL 2008 - Story Fest Workshop

IASL 2008 - Story Fest Workshop

Here is a picture of me with sweet librarians from the U.S., Japan and China.

IASL 2008 - Dianne and International Librarians

IASL 2008 - Dianne and International Librarians

This is a picture of one of the librarians performing Kamishibai Story Theater. The story is a Japanese folktale called “The Mouse’s Wedding.”

IASL 2008 - Kamishibai Story Theater Workshop

IASL 2008 - Kamishibai Story Theater Workshop

Prior to the IASL conference, my husband, Antonio, joined me for nearly a week in San Francisco. We stayed at the luxurious Harbor Court Hotel on the Embarcadero. We toured Napa wine country and brought back eight bottles of wine! Woo hoo! We wined and dined our way through San Francisco, eating the most delicious cuisine and sampling the region’s best wines.

San Francisco 2008 - Champagne Tasting at Chandon Domaine, Napa Wine Country

San Francisco 2008 - Champagne Tasting at Domaine Chandon, Napa Wine Country

Although I have visited San Francisco before, it has been quite some time since I toured the city and I fell in love with her all over again. The undulating hills make the city scenic and adventurous. Antonio and I saw most of the San Francisco must-sees: the weekend Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market at the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero, Chinatown, Lombard Street (we drove down the world’s “crookedest” street), Pier 39 (including the seals that have taken over the boat slips), Fisherman’s Wharf, the Cliff House overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge (we drove over it and took pictures from a vista point), the cable cars (Antonio hung off the side – talk about cold!), Alcatraz (we viewed it from a distance on a very clear day), and the rolling fog!

Here is the Golden Gate Bridge. The actual color of the bridge is called “International Orange.” It was supposed to be a primer but it was so beautiful that the city decided to keep the bridge that color.

San Francisco 2008 - The Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco 2008 - The Golden Gate Bridge

This is one of the famous buildings in Chinatown, on the corner of California and Grant, where you can catch the renowned cable car.

San Francisco 2008 - Chinatown, California & Grant Streets

San Francisco 2008 - Chinatown, California & Grant Streets

Check out the cakes at this Chinatown Bakery. Wow!

San Francisco 2008 - Chinatown Cakes

San Francisco 2008 - Chinatown Cakes

While in Chinatown, we ate lunch at a very nice restaurant called The Oriental Pearl. The food was delicious. It was also on must-eat list because Rachael Ray (Eliana and I are big fans) ate there for $40/day. So I took this picture just for Eliana.

San francisco 2008 - Dianne at the Oriental Pearl

San francisco 2008 - Dianne at the Oriental Pearl

Antonio and I both had must-eats on our list – I wanted a slice of sourdough pizza and he wanted an authentic Mission burrito. We took the BART and ventured into the Mission district to find the BIGGEST burrito on the planet at Farolito’s, a hole-in-the-wall place that everyone recommended. I found my sourdough pizza at Fisherman’s Wharf at The Franciscan Restaurant’s walk-up window. We did find out that even in August, San Francisco can be quite chilly. We both brought home new jackets. LOL

Here I am at Pier 39. Check out the beautiful city line behind me.

San Francisco 2008 - Dianne at Pier 39

San Francisco 2008 - Dianne at Pier 39

This is the gorgeous Pacific Ocean, viewed from the historic Cliff House.

San Francisco 2008 - The Pacific Ocean at the Cliff House

San Francisco 2008 - The Pacific Ocean at the Cliff House

I can’t forget to show you the famous Cable Car. It’s fun to ride but you better bring a jacket because it can be chilly with the wind whipping around you.

San Francisco 2008 - The Famous Cable Car

San Francisco 2008 - The Famous Cable Car

This is a view of Lombard Street from our rental car – we’re driving doooooown. You have to ride the brakes and go very slooooowly.

San Francisco 2008 - Driving Down Lombard

San Francisco 2008 - Driving Down Lombard

San Francisco is definitely in my Top 5 U.S. cities. It’s a city for couples, friends, families, and singles. Thank goodness we didn’t experience any earthquakes while we were there (a 5.4 hit the L.A. area just the week before). But I was definitely shaken and taken by the city’s beauty.

Though we didn’t spend a lot of time in Berkeley, we did tour the Scharffen Berger Chocolate Factory (it’s free). That was AMAZING and the chocolate is superb (satisfying the chocoholic in me…). Scharffen Berger (now a division of Hershey’s Artisan Chocolates) is a gourmet chocolate maker in every sense of the phrase. They pay above fair trade prices for their cacao beans and create the chocolate from beginning to end – from roasting the beans to hand-packaging the bars. If you love chocolate, you must try Scharffen Berger. Here I am being goofy, getting ready to tour the factory. The cover on my chin is for “beards.”

San Francisco 2008 - Touring Sharffenberger

San Francisco 2008 - Dianne Touring Scharffen Berger Chocolate Factory and Being Silly

Antonio and I also dined at Alice Waters’ Chez Panisse in the “Gourmet Ghetto” area of Berkeley. Alice Waters has, for over 25 years, served finely and simply prepared organic in-season food from sustainable agriculture farms no further away than 100 miles from the restaurant. The menu changes daily. Chez Panisse restaurant was named Best Restaurant in America by Gourmet magazine in 2001.

San Francisco 2008 - Chez Panisse Restaurant, Berkeley

San Francisco 2008 - Chez Panisse Restaurant, Berkeley

Visit the Bay Area – you’ll love the city but be sure to bring a warm jacket!

San Francisco 2008 - Keeping Warm by the Toy Car

San Francisco 2008 - Keeping Warm by the Toy Car

Warmly, Dianne

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Dianne’s Summer Travels June/July 2008

by Dianne on August 28, 2008

Friends:

This summer has been a time of closing chapters and opening new ones. On July 9, 2008, my beloved father-in-law, Jaime Roberto Casas, passed away somewhat unexpectedly. He was 78 years old and lived a beautifully full life, leaving behind a loving wife (Jennie), two wonderful children (Antonio and Pam), and two sweet granddaughters (Soleil and Eliana). Jaime and Jennie celebrated 41 years of love. Though I am saddened that he is no longer here with us, I am also comforted knowing that he is in a better place.

Eliana with grandparents, Jennie & Jaime Casas

Eliana with grandparents, Jennie & Jaime Casas

Soleil, my oldest daughter, graduated from high school in May with honors (Top 5) and over $140,000 in scholarship offers. To celebrate the success Soleil has enjoyed, my mother and I took her and her friend, Nea, to NYC for her graduation/birthday (July 21) present. We stayed at the Time Hotel right on Times Square.

Soleil & Nea on Times Square July 2008

Soleil & Nea on Times Square July 2008

We saw The Little Mermaid on Broadway and it was phenomenal! We ate at the New York’s famous Johnny’s Pizzeria, Mars 2112, Ruby Foo’s, the Olympic Diner, and Belly Deli. And we shopped. Boy, did we shop! I just adore SHOES!

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes! NYC July 2008

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes! NYC July 2008

Here is a picture of the button and needle at the beginning of the Fashion District in Manhattan.

The Fashion District NYC July 2008

The Fashion District NYC July 2008

It was a fun trip and Soleil really enjoyed herself. This is Soleil at the restaurant, Mars 2112, on her birthday, July 21, 2008.

Soleil at Mars 2112 NYC July 21, 2008

Soleil at Mars 2112 NYC July 21, 2008

We were able to visit family – my mom’s sister, Mary Ann, and my cousin, Valerie, who live in Queens. Here is a picture of me and pretty Valerie.

Dianne & Valerie in NYC July 2008

Dianne & Valerie in NYC July 2008

Eliana, my 8 year old, toured and performed with me all summer across the beautiful state of Louisiana celebrating the summer reading program, “Be A Star – Read!” We visited these parishes: Terrebonne, Cameron, Washington, LaSalle, Webster, Ouachita, Rapides, Iberville, and Winn.

Summer Reading 2008 - Eliana Performing Sausage Nose

Summer Reading 2008 - Eliana Performing Sausage Nose

We drove through beautiful forests, collected shells on the beach, saw alligators, admired the beauty of the bayou, drove across the Mississippi River in several parts of the state, and even drove through the state of Mississippi. Eliana learned so much about Louisiana and I really enjoyed spending this time with her.

Louisiana Summer Reading 2008 - Dianne & Eliana Performing "The Magic Star"

Louisiana Summer Reading 2008 - Dianne & Eliana Performing "The Magic Star"

Here is a picture of one of our Summer Reading Crowds at a Louisiana library. We love it when kids come to the library!

Louisiana Summer Reading 2008 Library Crowd

Louisiana Summer Reading 2008 Library Crowd

Here are some pictures of me and Eliana with fans. We love you!

Louisiana Summer Reading 2008 - Dianne & Fans

Louisiana Summer Reading 2008 - Dianne & Fans

Louisiana Summer Reading 2008 - Dianne, Eliana (in pink & brown) & Fans

Louisiana Summer Reading 2008 - Dianne, Eliana (in pink & brown) & Fans

A special thank you to our wonderful friends at the Rapides Parish Library who made Eliana’s 8th birthday (June 15) extra special. Tammy & Karla, you rock!

Louisiana Summer Reading 2008 - Eliana Celebrating Her 8th Birthday at Rapides Parish Library

Louisiana Summer Reading 2008 - Eliana Celebrating Her 8th Birthday at Rapides Parish Library

I feel special because I became a “Star Reader” this summer!

Louisiana Summer Reading 2008 - Dianne is a Star Reader!

Louisiana Summer Reading 2008 - Dianne is a Star Reader!

Here are some more Stars!

Louisiana Summer Reading 2008 - Summer Reading Stars

Louisiana Summer Reading 2008 - Summer Reading Stars

One cool thing to happen to Eliana this summer was receiving a big package from the White House. Eliana received a personally signed letter from First Lady Laura Bush, “My American Journal,” stickers, autographed pictures, and White House fact cards. Laura Bush said:

“Dear Eliana, Your very proud mother sent me your nice review of Jenna’s and my book (Read All About It). You are a terrific writer! Thank you for your kind words. Reading will always give you pleasure. For the rest of your life, as long as you enjoy reading, you will have a friend by your side, ready to go with you on the most interesting adventures. Have a wonderful summer – and keep reading!” – First Lady Laura Bush, White House, United States of America

One of the highlights of my summer was attending ALA in Anaheim, California. Here, my book, Handmade Tales: Stories to Make and Take, is promoted at the Libraries Unlimited booth.

ALA Anaheim June 2008 - Handmade Tales Poster

ALA Anaheim June 2008 - Handmade Tales Poster

My presentation, “Handmade Tales,” was standing room only. There were over 200 librarians in attendance. After my presentation, I received invitations all over the U.S. and even to places as far away as Singapore and Italy! My books sold out so ALA turned out to be a great conference. Thank you to all the librarians who attended my session and purchased my books. I appreciate you! I took extra time and even explored the beach (Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and Corona del Mar). I just love Southern California!

ALA Anaheim June 2008 - Huntington Beach Pier

ALA Anaheim June 2008 - Huntington Beach Pier

It was a great month of travel and promoting reading!

Warmly, Dianne

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Back on the Blog!

by Dianne on August 28, 2008

Friends:

I am so excited because I can blog again! My blog had been down since April and it took some major tearing apart and a little bit of genius (Thanks, Heidi!) to get it back up and running again.

So much has happened in the past few months. I will post a few pictures of my summer travels, summarizing my travels in a couple of “catch-up” posts.

Warmly, Dianne

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