January 2010

Book Update Seminar at Country Day School, Metairie, LA – Saturday, January 30, 2010

by dlcasas on January 30, 2010

1-30-20 UNO Professor of Children's Literature, Pat Austin, gives a passionate book talk

1-30-20 UNO Professor of Children's Literature, Pat Austin, gives a passionate book talk

Friends:

I spent half of my Saturday at a professional development seminar hosted by the University of New Orleans (UNO) and Metairie Park Country Day School. Pat Austin, Professor of Children’s Literature at UNO, headed the program. The program began with Pat discussing this year’s ALA winners: the Newbery, the Caldecott, the Prinz, the Sibert, the Geisel, the Pura Belpre’, and the John Steptoe New Talent awards. She booktalked her favorite and not-so-favorite selections from the list. Then Pat showed us some excellent books that didn’t win awards but should have.

After Pat, the lower elementary librarian from Country Day shared how she used the Kindle with her 6th graders. It was interesting to see the school embrace and integrate new technology. The final presentation was by the high school librarian, who shared her experiences in Saudi Arabia, traveling on grant funds. It was very interesting. After a discussion of “Have the Newberys lost their way?”, it was time to eat.

1-30-10 Lunching with Librarians at Country Day's Book Update Event, including my dear friends, Ellen Miller to my left and Betty Brodtmann, to my right

1-30-10 Lunching with Librarians at Country Day's Book Update Event, including my dear friends, Ellen Miller to my left and Betty Brodtmann, to my right

We were treated to a 3 course meal of mixed greens with tomatoes and artichoke hearts, pan seared Marsala chicken, buttery Yukon gold potatoes, haricot vert, and delicious Spumoni cheesecake. Every bite was delectable. The Country Day chef, Jerome, did a phenomenal job. Thank you!

I enjoyed my morning and loved meeting new people. It’s always great to hang out with librarians because they get excited about championing books. We all have the same goal – literacy! Getting kids to read is a job we must all do together.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Strehle Elementary Story Fest Day 4 – Thursday, January 28, 2010

by dlcasas on January 28, 2010

1-28-10 Ms. Clausing's kindergarten class delights in the story, Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach!

1-28-10 Ms. Clausing's kindergarten class delights in the story, Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach!

Friends:

Today was my fourth day in residency at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana, doing my Story Fest story theater activities. It was Pajama Day and teacher and students were dressed in the cutest jammies! My first class was a special ed Pre-K class. I told the story of “Mr. Wiggle and Mr. Waggle” and did movement with scarves to world music. They did very well, moving to the music with their scarves.

1-28-10 Working with Ms. Davis' PK Special Ed

1-28-10 Working with Ms. Davis' PK Special Ed

My next class was Ms. Jones’ kindergarten class. The kindergarteners loved the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. They were singing and dancing to the song and had a blast. Afterwards, we explored world music through scarves. It was a fun visit. I love the wonderment of the children when they are that young!

1-28-10 Telling Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach to Ms. Jones' kindergarten class

1-28-10 Telling Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach to Ms. Jones' kindergarten class

When I arrived at my next kindergarten class, Ms. Clausing’s little students were sitting on the carpet, criss cross applesauce, waiting for me. They were so quiet – until I started telling Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. They loved Madame Poulet’s voice and antics. They laughted themselves silly. Then we danced with the scarves.

1-28-10 Ms. Clausing's kindergarten class dances La Morenada, creating butterflies, with scarves

1-28-10 Ms. Clausing's kindergarten class dances La Morenada, creating butterflies, with scarves

Next, it was on to fifth grade to see Ms. Williams’ students. The students rehearsed their story, “The Lion and the Mouse.” It took a while to figure out a beat for the story chorus, but once they did, it was great. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and were unable to rehearse the story in its entirety. Fortunately, I have another visit with their class scheduled for next week.

1-28-10 Ms. Williams' 4th grade storytellers rehears their part

1-28-10 Ms. Williams' 4th grade storytellers rehears their part

After lunch, I visited Ms. Mauer’s first grade class for the second time. As soon as I walked in, they said, “Mr. Roach” in that “roachy” sounding voice. This time, I told the story of Sody Sallyraytus and they loved it. We culminated with creative movement and dance to jazz music. Talk about a good time!

1-28-10 Ms. Mauer's class dances with scarves

1-28-10 Ms. Mauer's class dances with scarves

Then it was on to Ms. Till’s class. The class is very large and very chatty. Today, they were really into talking amongst themselves in little groups and it was a challenge to settle them down. There are some self-control issues and I had to send one of the girls outside in the hall to “check” her attitude. When we finally were able to work, the class did a good job coming up with a fun story chorus and beat for their rap. There are a lot of creative students in Ms. Till’s class; they just lack self-discipline. With a firm hand, I was able to guide them through the entire story. It still needs to be polished. Thank goodness we have another class visit before our performance. I did have some outstanding students in the class – storytellers who learned their parts by heart. There were 2 boys and a girl. I gave them a special treat: an autographed bookmark. :)

1-28-10 A student in Ms. Till's third grade tells his part of the story without his script

1-28-10 A student in Ms. Till's third grade tells his part of the story without his script

My final class of the day was Ms. Johnson’s third grade class. When I walked into the room, the students were in their seats with their scripts on their desks, ready to work. It was such a pleasure working with this group of students. The last time I went into their class, they were a little rambunctious. But this time, they were so different! They were a model class. Four of the boys told me that they worked together outside of class to create a dance for the story chorus. It was awesome and I am so excited about what this class is going to do! There is expressive storytelling, rapping, a beat, and a fully choreographed routine. While I guided the students, they really came up with all the ideas. It was a delight to end my day in Ms. Johnson’s class. To reward them for their good work, I gave them all Madame Poulet bookmarks. Thank you, Ms. Johnson’s class, for this happy grin I am wearing today! You did a phenomenal job!

1-28-10 The story chorus in Ms. Johson's 3rd grade class POPS!

1-28-10 The story chorus in Ms. Johson's 3rd grade class POPS!

I am off on Friday and Monday. I was supposed to be taking a trip to New York for a conference. Circumstances changed and I am not going. However, I am taking a professional development class on Saturday in New Orleans. I look forward to returning to Strehle. The students and staff of Strehle are so wonderful. I love working with this school!

1-28-10 Ms. Creecy's 4th graders take time for a group pajama picture

1-28-10 Ms. Creecy's 4th graders take time for a group pajama picture

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Strehle Elementary Story Fest Residency Day 3 – Wednesday, January 27, 2010

by dlcasas on January 27, 2010

1-27-10 Showing Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach book to Ms. King's Kindergarten class

1-27-10 Showing Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach book to Ms. King's Kindergarten class

Friends:

It was my third Story Fest residency day at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana. My day began in 5th grade with Ms. Walter’s students. I really enjoyed working with this group. They totally energized my day. They cooperated, communicated and collaborated to create a wonderful story theater. Their story was “The Ant and the Grasshopper” and they were so creative, coming up with a cool rap with a beat and a colorful twist of their scarves. Even the teachers were feeling the beat!

1-27-10 Ms. Walter's 5th graders create a story chorus with scarves for the story, The Ant and the Grasshopper. Storytellers are in the background.

1-27-10 Ms. Walter's 5th graders create a story chorus with scarves for the story, The Ant and the Grasshopper. Storytellers are in the background.

My second class was Ms. Guidry’s third grade class. Ms. Guidry was out of class today and her students were not on their usual best behavior. It was a challenge settling them down. I even had to send one of the students to the office for poor behavior. Still, we managed to rehearse their story, “The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking.” Ironically, it was the class’ talking that was the issue!

1-27-10 Ms. Guidry's 3rd grade class creates a story chorus for The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking

1-27-10 Ms. Guidry's 3rd grade class creates a story chorus for The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking

Next, it was on to kindergarten and Ms. King’s class. They loved my telling of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. It was so much fun. They laughed so much. I even gave the class a preview of my new book, Mama’s Bayou.

1-27-10 Being Madame Poulet for Ms. King's Kindergarten class

1-27-10 Being Madame Poulet for Ms. King's Kindergarten class

After kindergarten, I saw Ms. Walker’s students in 5th grade. Again, the 5th graders rocked. They were so wonderful, creating the coolest raps and motions. There was such enthusiasm in the class. Even the most reserved students in the class participated and I was so pleased with the end result. I am sooo looking forward to seeing 5th grade perform!

1-27-10 Ms. Walker's 5th grade students pop like popcorn in Paul Bunyan and the Great Popcorn Blizzard

1-27-10 Ms. Walker's 5th grade students pop like popcorn in Paul Bunyan and the Great Popcorn Blizzard

After lunch, I looked at the wrong scheduled and accidentally went to Ms. Vega’s room. When I discovered the mistake, I had to leave to go to Ms. Hervey’s first grade class. The class and Ms. Vega were so disappointed that I was leaving! It feels so good to be loved like that! :)

I went to Ms. Hervey’s class and the students remembered me from kindergarten. I told Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach and the class loved it. They danced, sang, and laughed like crazy. Then, we used scarves and dance “La Morenada.”

1-27-10 Ms. Hervey's 1st graders dance "La Morenada"

It was on to Ms. Creecy’s fourth grade class. When I arrived in class, two of the students were so excited to show me their art. I even received an original piece of art, a frog, from these two boys. How cool is that?!

1-27-10 4th grade students in Ms. Creecy's class create beautiful art!

1-27-10 4th grade students in Ms. Creecy's class create beautiful art!

Then it was time to rehearse our story theater. This class did a phenomenal job creating their story chorus for “The Tortoise and the Hare.” Their chorus was so catchy that I found myself singing it the rest of the day! Great work, Ms. Creecy’s class. I am very pleased with your teamwork!

1-27-10 Ms. Creecy's 4th grade class!

1-27-10 Ms. Creecy's 4th grade class!

Tonight, I received an email from students in Ms. Creecy’s class. They were so sweet:

“Hi, Ms. Dianne. I am in Ms. Creecy’s class, I just wanted to tell you thank you for doing those fun things you did with us. The tortoise and the hare beat sounded really good. I can’t wait to perform it! When you read this, I hope you remember me when you come back to Catherine Strehle and Ms. Creecy’s class. Warmly, Ashlyn L.”

“Hello. I am Bailee from Ms. Creecy’s class. I know you are a good storyteller. I so love your books.”

Thank you, Ashlyn and Bailee for your wonderful emails. You touched my heart and I appreciate your taking the time to send me a note. You and your classmates did a fabulous job and I am also excited about seeing your class perform “The Tortoise and the Hare.”

I ended my day in another fourth grade class, Ms. Landry’s class. They also did a great job with their story. They are performing “The Little Red Hen” and it is so cute! I love their chorus as well. They added dance moves and really rocked the chorus. Despite the fact that I had to send two students to the office, the class did some great work together. I look forward to seeing the presentation of these stories!

1-27-10 Ms. Landry's 4th graders rehearse their story chorus for The Little Red Hen

1-27-10 Ms. Landry's 4th graders rehearse their story chorus for The Little Red Hen

Strehle has the best teachers. I love them all! Here is Ms. Creecy and Ms. Wolf, such beauties! I love coming to Strehle. There is such a “family” atmosphere amongst the teachers, staff, and students. I love the teachers’ and staff’s attitude. They have opened their arms and welcomed me into the Strehle family. I always leave the school with a giant smile on my face.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Bissonet Plaza Elementary Family Literacy Night – Tuesday, January 26, 2010

by dlcasas on January 26, 2010

1-26-10 Telling stories at Bissonet Plaza Elementary Family Literacy Night 1-26-10

1-26-10 Telling stories at Bissonet Plaza Elementary Family Literacy Night 1-26-10

Friends:

Tonight I was the featured author at Bissonet Plaza Elementary’s Saint-sational Family Literacy Night. I performed stories, sang, promoted reading, and signed books. My first story was Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. The students loved the story and really participated. It was so much fun to tell it to the Bissonet students because I have been their storyteller/author-in-residence every year (for 9 years) and the students know and love me. Of course, I love them right back! :)

1-26-10 Telling Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach

1-26-10 Telling Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach

By request, I also told The Cajun Cornbread Boy. I don’t know who loved it more – the kids or the grown-ups! The students sang and participated in all the story’s motions. It was so much fun! Just look at these students blowing raspberries! LOL

1-26-10 Students participating in the story, The Cajun Cornbread Boy

1-26-10 Students participating in the story, The Cajun Cornbread Boy

After my performance, I signed books. I enjoyed being at one of my favorite schools around. A special thank you to Ellen Miller, who coordinated the event and invited me as their honored guest. Another special thank you to my sweet daughter, Eliana, who was my assistant and pro photographer!

Remember the magic number, Bissonet students… 20! Read 20 minutes a day to strengthen your thinking muscle!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Strehle Elementary Story Fest Residency Day 2 – Tuesday, January 26, 2010

by dlcasas on January 26, 2010

1-26-10 Telling Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach in Ms. Short's 1st grade class

1-26-10 Telling Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach in Ms. Short's 1st grade class

Friends:

Today was my second day at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana. My day began in first grade with Ms. Short’s class. Many of the students remembered me from last year and were very excited to see me. They loved hearing the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach and then doing scarf activities. They were such a wonderful group of students to work with.

My second class was Ms. Giroir’s PK class. I told the story of Madame Poulet and they loved the song in the story. Ms. Giroir told me that they sang it all day and one of the boys even pretended to be Madame Poulet, the chicken in the story. They also had fun dancing with scarves to world music.

1-26-10 Ms. Giroir and her PK class dance with scarves

1-26-10 Ms. Giroir and her PK class dance with scarves

After PK, I went to Ms. Badeaux’s second grade class. The students were excited to see me and loved hearing Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. It was so cute when one of the little girls laughed uncontrollably because I “sneezed” in her hair. They enjoyed dancing “La Morenada,” the dance of the butterfly. Ms. Badeaux told me that the class was learning Spanish. Through the song, they added two new words to their Spanish vocabulary (“manos” meaning “hands” and “pie” meaning “feet”).

1-26-10 Ms. Badeaux's 2nd graders explore the music of South America, dancing "La Morenada" with scarves

Following second grade, I went into PK special ed. I don’t have pictures because my hands were full, literally. One of the students, Jevon, an autistic child became attached to me and wouldn’t leave my lap. Pat Runge said that it was so unusual for Jevon to respond to a “stranger” like that and that I generated a response from him they had not seen all year. Normally agitated and unresponsive, Jevon was calm and relaxed the entire time I was in the room. Another student, Shae Lynn, also gravitated to me and claimed my other arm, hanging by my side for nearly the whole time. I told “Mr. Wiggle and Mr. Waggle,” sang my song, “ABC Rock,” and sang “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” The teachers didn’t want me to leave. :)

After lunch, I headed to Ms. Avist’s first grade class. I showed them my books and gave them a sneak peek of Mama’s Bayou on the Elmo. Afterward, I told Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach and they loved it. We finished with creative movement to world music. Even Ms. Avist danced! It was so much fun and a great workout too!

1-26-10 Ms. Avist's 1st grade class moves!

1-26-10 Ms. Avist's 1st grade class moves!

Next, I had Ms. Till’s fourth grade class. After discussing the “Storytelling Tool Kit” (imagination, body, face and voice) and the “Three Cs” of story theater (cooperation, communication, and collaboration), we moved into our story theater exercises. They loved the role-playing activities. Their class was assigned the story, “The Country Mouse and The City Mouse.” We didn’t have enough time to create the story chorus but will work on that during my next visit.

1-26-10 Students in Ms. Till's 4th grade class portray a football field goal scene

1-26-10 Students in Ms. Till's 4th grade class portray a football field goal scene

My last class was Ms. Johnson’s third grade class. The students were very chatty and it was challenging to settle them down long enough to move to the next activity. They processed their thoughts out loud and became so excited about the activity. I was able to assign parts for their story, “The Frog and the Ox” but unable to work on the story chorus with them. At the last minute, one of the students created a beat and a rap for the story chorus. It was like magic – just perfect! I can’t wait to see it all put together when I return to their class.

1-26-10 Students in Ms. Johnson's 3rd grade class portray a mechanic fixing his car

1-26-10 Students in Ms. Johnson's 3rd grade class portray a mechanic fixing his car

It was a great day but I had to rush quickly out of school. I had a literacy night event at another school – Bissonet Plaza Elementary in Metairie. Tomorrow, I see another seven classes!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Strehle Elementary Story Fest Residency Day 1 – Monday, January 25, 2010

by dlcasas on January 25, 2010

1-25-10 4th grade teacher, Ms. Landry, walks her "dog"

Friends:

Today I began a 2 week residency at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana. This is my third year at the school. I am doing my Story Fest residency, in which I work with the student doing drama exercises and culminating in story theater performances. The classes are each assigned a story, with parts for individual storytellers and a story chorus.

My first class was Ms. Walker’s 5th grade class. They were a great group to work with, and really participated in the exercises. I demonstrated the “Storyteller’s Tool Kit,” with the four tools they have readily available: 1) imagination, 2) body, 3) face and 4) voice. All my upper grades did individual, partner, and group role playing exercises. Ms. Walker’s class was assigned the story, “Paul Bunyan and the Great Popcorn Blizzard.” They were able to formulate some of the chorus with a rap and it came out great!

1-25-10 Ms. Walker's 5th graders portray a Mardi Gras parade with king on a float

1-25-10 Ms. Walker's 5th graders portray a Mardi Gras parade with king on a float

Next, I went on to Ms. Guidry’s 3rd grade class. They were so respectful and excited to see me. Many of the students remembered me from years past and looked forward to the activity. They did such a great job with their drama activity. The class did a great job communicating and collaborating and came up with such a fun story chorus for their story, “The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking.” I can’t wait to see it all come together!

1-25-10 Ms. Guidry's 3rd graders portray a field goal, kicking a football through the goal posts

1-25-10 Ms. Guidry's 3rd graders portray a field goal, kicking a football through the goal posts

Ms. Walter’s 5th grade class was my next stop. Again, I had a great time with the students. They really enjoyed the activities. Using a beat created by a student, they came up with a fun rap for their story, “The Ant and the Grasshopper.”

1-25-10 Ms. Walter's 5th grade class playing a cowboy riding a horse (look at that midair jump!)

1-25-10 Ms. Walter's 5th grade class playing a cowboy riding a horse (look at that midair jump!)

Ms. Williams’ 5th grade class was next. All the 5th grade teachers have “W” last names! There are a lot of very expressive students in this class. They were assigned the story, “The Lion and the Mouse.” The students worked well together and created a story chorus. It needs some work but I will see them again on Wednesday.

1-25-10 Ms. Williams' 5th graders role play a boy stealing an apple from a neighbor's tree

1-25-10 Ms. Williams' 5th graders role play a boy stealing an apple from a neighbor's tree

On my lunch break, I caught a candid of one of the 5th grade teachers, Ms. Walker. The faculty and staff showed their Saints spirit by sporting black and gold. The Saints won their playoff game last night against Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings so Saints fever runs high in the city! It is the first time the Saints will play in the Super Bowl.

1-25-10 5th grade teacher, Ms. Walker, has Saints spirit! Who Dat!

1-25-10 5th grade teacher, Ms. Walker, has Saints spirit! Who Dat!

After lunch, I had my only lower elementary group of the day. I visited Ms. Mauer’s 1st grade class. I told the story of Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach and then moved into creative movement with scarves. They danced to world music, exploring rhythms from Africa and South America. It was fun and very colorful!

1-25-10 Ms. Mauer's 1st graders dance with scarves to world music

1-25-10 Ms. Mauer's 1st graders dance with scarves to world music

One of the students in the class had a fleur de lis shaved into his hair. His parents must truly be Saints fans!

1-25-10 A true Saints fan with a fleur de lis carved into his hair!

1-25-10 A true Saints fan with a fleur de lis carved into his hair!

Next, I moved on to Ms. Creecy 4th grade class. They had a ball doing the story theater exercises. The class is large so excitement was high. I had to settle them down a few times. We ran out of time and were unable to create a story chorus but we will do that next time I see them on Wednesday.

1-25-10 4th graders in Ms. Creecy's class become a woman walking her dog in Central Park

1-25-10 4th graders in Ms. Creecy's class become a woman walking her dog in Central Park

My last class of the day was Ms. Landry’s 4th grade class. The students remembered me from previous years and were so excited to see me. They were so well-behaved and I really enjoyed working with them. They really loved the story theater exercises. They were assinged “The Little Red Hen” and did a phenomenal job crreating their story chorus with a rap to a beat. It was so catchy, I found myself singing it all day! And I loved the way the students in the chorus really cooperated, communicated and collaborated. Those were the 3 “Cs” of story theater I taught them. What a great day!

1-25-10 Ms. Landry's 4th graders are mechanics fixing their cars

1-25-10 Ms. Landry's 4th graders are mechanics fixing their cars

I ended my day with a photo op. New Orleans Saints Quarterback, Drew Brees, “stopped by” so I had to get a picture with him… Super Bowl bound, baby! :)

1-25-10 Dianne poses with New Orleans Saints Super Bowl quarterback, Drew Brees

1-25-10 Dianne poses with New Orleans Saints Super Bowl quarterback, Drew Brees

I look forward to tomorrow at Strehle!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Saints are Super Bowl Bound & New Orleans Celebrates! Sunday, January 24, 2010

by dlcasas on January 25, 2010

1-24-10 Black and Gold! Dianne in front of a gold Lamborghini

1-24-10 Black and Gold! Dianne in front of a gold Lamborghini

Friends:

Tonight, I witnessed history in the making! In a tight game against the Minnesota Vikings led by Brett Favre, the New Orleans Saints clinched an NFC championship in overtime. A superb 40 foot field goal kicked by Hartley gave the Saints a 31-28 victory. The Saints are Super Bowl bound!

1-24-10 Saints win NFC Championship - Super Bowl Bound!

1-24-10 Saints win NFC Championship - Super Bowl Bound!

As Will Smith sings, “Party in the city where the heat is on. All night in the streets till the break of dawn. Welcome to Miami. Bienvenido a Miami.” Never before in Saints history have they had the opportunity to play in the BIG GAME. Antonio, my husband, was in the dome and he said it was absolutely nuts. People were screaming, hugging, and crying. So we had to celebrate in the French Quarter with the rest of our city.

1-24-10 Who Dat Fans are Die Hards!

1-24-10 Who Dat Fans are Die Hards!

Even the New Orleans police were chanting over their P.A., “Who Dat! Who Dat!” It was unbelievable.

1-24-10 Even New Orleans Police yelling Who Dat! over P.A.

1-24-10 Even New Orleans Police yelling Who Dat! over P.A.

I have been on Bourbon during Mardi Gras but I have never seen the city like this! Not only was it wall-to-wall with fans, they were all spontaneously and simultaneously singing and chanting, “Who Dat! Who Dat!” and “Black and gold to da Super Bowl!”

1-24-10 Wall to Wall Who Dats on Bourbon

1-24-10 Wall to Wall Who Dats on Bourbon

Fans showed their support with fun and crazy costumes, like these girls with bats. They were carrying bats, just like Reggie Bush did at the last game against the Cardinals.

1-24-10 Bringing out the We Believe Bats!

1-24-10 Bringing out the We Believe Bats!

The Who Dat Nation went wild and showed their spirit in creative ways.

1-24-10 Ms. Fleur de Lis and Mr. Who Dat

1-24-10 Ms. Fleur de Lis and Mr. Who Dat

This historic win even inspired dancing in the streets, with a band setting shop right on the sidewalk! Their jam created a traffic jam! Only in New Orleans…

1-24-10 A band rocks the sidewalk in the French Quarter

1-24-10 A band rocks the sidewalk in the French Quarter

On Sunday, January 24, 2010, New Orleans was a city of celebration. It was a sweet, long-time-in-the-making victory. Our “Bless You Boys” are now Super Bowl bound. Just over 4 years ago, when Katrina hit, the New Orleans Superdome was a place of sorrow. Now, the Superdome is a place of joy. In two weeks, Brees meets Manning in Miami in a showdown of quarterback prowess, when the Saints play the Colts. The New Orleans Saints have to, in Drew Brees’ words, “Finish strong.”

1-24-10 Former Saints Quarterback, Bobby Hebert from WWL Radio, broadcasts from Deanie's Seafood restaurant in on Dumaine

1-24-10 Former Saints Quarterback, Bobby Hebert from WWL Radio, broadcasts from Deanie's Seafood restaurant in on Dumaine

But for now, we celebrate and do a victory dance! THE SAINTS ARE SUPER BOWL BOUND, BABY! WOO HOO!

1-24-10 A fleur de lis shows Saints spirit at Yo Mama's Bar and Grill in the French Quarter

1-24-10 A fleur de lis shows Saints spirit at Yo Mama's Bar and Grill in the French Quarter

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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MS Arts Commission Taming Technology Workshop; Thursday, January 21, 2010

by dlcasas on January 22, 2010

1-21-10 MAC Artists attending the workshop

1-21-10 MAC Artists attending the workshop

Friends:

I had the great pleasure and honor of being a presenter at the Mississippi Commission for the Arts Artist Seminar, “Creating Your Future.” I presented a workshop called “Taming Technology: Using the Internet for Biz Success.” In a great irony of events, we had major technology issues!! My laptop was not compatible with the MAC’s projectors. After unsuccessfully trying to connect many laptops and projectors, a workshop participant, Bill, lent his Mac and projector. We had success, at least for the last 45 minutes of the workshop.

So I taught my Internet technology workshop without technology for most of it. LOL Fortunately, the information was strong enough to carry through even without the addition of the Internet. The workshop participants were very curious, participatory, and fun to work with. In addition to a plethora of information, there was also a lot of laughter. The workshop was well-received and I had so much great feedback from the participants. I loved those Mississippi artists!

1-21-10 Chuck Galey, Author & Illustrator, taking notes on his Mac

1-21-10 Chuck Galey, Author & Illustrator, taking notes on his Mac

After the full day seminar (a teaching artist did another workshop and there was a panel discussion), I went to dinner with Diane Williams, my host, and some of the workshop participants, Rick Anderson (Children’s Book Illustrator), Philip Levin (President of Gulf Coast Writers Guild), and Richelle Putnam (President of Mississippi Writers Guild). We went to this restaurant in downtown Jackson called Hal & Mal’s. It was down home cooking and the food was delicious!

1-21-10 At Hal & Mal's with Richelle Putnam, Diane Williams, Rick Anderson & Philip Levin

1-21-10 (L-R) At Hal & Mal's with Richelle Putnam, Diane Williams, Rick Anderson & Philip Levin

Dinner was a great way to end the day. I made meaningful connections and had a wonderful time. It was a great week in Mississippi! A special thank you to Diane Williams, Kim Whitt, Larry, and all the people of the Mississippi Arts Commission. And thank you to all the fabulous artists who attended the workshop!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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8 Sweet Potato Pies & Diane Williams in Madison, MS – Wednesday, January 20, 2010

by dlcasas on January 21, 2010

1-20-10 Dianne de Las Casas with Diane Williams

1-20-10 Dianne de Las Casas with Diane Williams

Friends:

I am performing a workshop for the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) on Thursday, January 21, 2010. The workshop is called “Taming Technology: Using the Internet for Biz Success.” My contact at MAC is Diane Williams, a dear friend for many years and a gifted storyteller and award-winning author.

Diane invited me to stay at her home. Of course, I accepted her invitation. I hadn’t been to her house since before Katrina, when she housed me and my family through a previous hurricane. So it was a treat to see her again. Rebecca Jernigan, our mutual dear friend, was also there. So you can imagine what a girls slumber party it was!

Diane had to bake pies for a church function so she made 8 sweet potato pies!! She actually put all of then into the oven at once. I couldn’t believe they all fit in there!

1-20-10 Diane Williams' 8 sweet potato pies!

1-20-10 Diane Williams' 8 sweet potato pies!

Those pies were tasty. No, we didn’t eat all 8 pies… But we did sample a nice chunk of one of them! We stayed up late chit chatting and catching up. It was a nice end to a wonderful day. Great seeing you, Rebecca and thank you so much for hosting me, Diane. You rock!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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School Visit: Quitman Upper Elementary – Wednesday, January 20, 2010

by dlcasas on January 21, 2010

1-20-10 A teacher works with students to depict a Mardi Gras scene with masked revelers

1-20-10 A teacher works with students to depict a Mardi Gras scene with masked revelers

Friends:

Today, I visited Quitman Upper Elementary. It was such a fun day! I did three Story Fest story theater workshops and a professional development workshop for the teachers at the end of the day.

1-20-10 4th & 5th grade portraying a mechanic fixing his car

1-20-10 4th & 5th grade portraying a mechanic fixing his car

My first and second assemblies consisted of 4th and 5th graders. I spoke to them about my method of story theater and explained that we would be doing role playing exercises to warm up. They did such an incredible job with their individual, partner and group exercises.

1-20-10 Monkeys climb a tree while hungry lions wait at the bottom

1-20-10 Monkeys climb a tree while hungry lions wait at the bottom

When I asked the students questions about what they learned from the Story Fest activity, a 4th grade girl named Jaden, responded, “You are never too old or too young to use your imagination.” I couldn’t have said it better myself, Jaden!

1-20-10 4th & 5th grade students portraying a king on a Mardi Gras float with parade revelers

1-20-10 4th & 5th grade students portraying a king on a Mardi Gras float with parade revelers

With the third grade, I performed Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach in an assembly program. It was one of the most lively, interactive performances I have ever had of this story. When the roaches danced, the students not only sang, but added additional beats, creating an awesome hip hop rhythm for the story. It was incredible!

1-20-10 Dianne sneaks up on an unsuspecting teacher during Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach

1-20-10 Dianne sneaks up on an unsuspecting teacher during Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach

After the story, I moved the 3rd grade group out to the gym floor and performed story theater exercises with them. It was well received. They had a blast!

1-20-10 A 3rd grade teacher works with a student portraying a mechanic fixing his car

1-20-10 A 3rd grade teacher works with a student portraying a mechanic fixing his car

My day ended with a professional development workshop with the teachers. Though most of them had seen Story Fest in action with their students, I gave them different roles to act out.

1-20-10 Chefs chopping at the counter

Then they rehearsed and performed a story theater piece: “The City Mouse and the Country Mouse. It was so cute and full of animated storytellers, a rhythmic chorus, scarves, and rhythm instruments.

1-20-10 Teachers perform story theater - The City Mouse and the Country Mouse

1-20-10 Teachers perform story theater - The City Mouse and the Country Mouse

Quitman Upper Elementary loves integrating the arts. Just look at this gorgeous mural in the front office!

1-20-10 Quitman Upper Elementary front office mural - Wow!

1-20-10 Quitman Upper Elementary front office mural - Wow!

I really enjoyed visiting the school. They had wonderful teachers, students and staff. Thank you to Tara Tucker, Amy Johnson, and Mr. Kelly for making my day superb! I loved my Mississippi school visits!

1-20-10 A MAC art project - The Mississippi State Seal made with natural materials

1-20-10 A MAC art project - The Mississippi State Seal made with natural materials

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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