Friends:

I arrived in East Brunswick, New Jersey on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at the Hilton Hotel for the New Jersey Association of School Librarians Conference. After signing books at the Libraries Unlimited booth, I went to dinner with Debby Laboon (Libraries Unlimited’s Authors Respresentative) and Anne Scharff (Greenwood Press’ Sales Representative). We met Judy Freeman and her sweet husband, Izzy, at a restaurant in New Brunswick called Soho. Dinner was delicious. After returning to hotel, I went to my room, Skyped with my family and then crashed.

The morning of November 14, I attended a session by Wayne Free, who works with the Louisiana Association of Educators. The room was small and the crowd was spilling into the hallway. Wayne spoke about how librarians could incorporate using media (the Internet, etc.) into their library lesson plans.

Wayne Free 11-14-08

After Wayne’s session, I attended Judy Freeman’s session on picture book “Winners.” It was a fabulous session and her room was full. Judy is so animated and energetic, a great storyteller, singer, and entertainer. The books she showcases are definitely winning reads. This is Judy reading Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel.

Judy Freeman 11-14-08

I had to leave Judy’s workshop a tad early because I had to set up for my workshop. I presented “Handmade Tales.” Here are the attendees creating “Joseph Had An Overcoat” cut -and-tell story.

NJASL Workshop Participants creating "Joseph Had an Overcoat Cut and Tell" - 11-14-08

We were having so much fun in the workshop. They really enjoyed “Bandana Man,” an adaptation of “The Gingerbread Man” done with a bandana.

NJASL Workshop Participants with "Bandana Man" - 11-14-08

Look at this cutie! He was the old woman in “Bandana Man.”

The Old Woman in "Bandana Man" - 11-14-08

I received rave reviews on my workshop from the workshop participants. It was so much fun. Afterward, I went to the Libraries Unlimited booth to sign books. Then it was time for dinner. I went to dinner with Debby Laboon, Judy Freeman, and Susan Fichtelberg (another LU author). We ate at a swanky diner that had the best food and we had the best time.

Susan Fichtelberg, Debby Laboon, Dianne de Las Casas & Judy Freeman - 11-14-08

The next day, Saturday, November 15, 2008, I ate a quick buffet breakfast at the hotel’s cafe and then headed to the ballroom to set up my second “Handmade Tales” workshop. Another author was presenting and went over time, giving me less than 10 minutes to set up. I was frantic!

Nevertheless, I had a room full of enthusiastic librarians, who enjoyed the workshop as much as the previous group. Here is a workshop participant’s rendition of an original draw-and-tell story, “The Emperor’s Dragon.”

Draw-and-tell Story "The Emperor's Dragon" - 11-15-08

Here is a table of librarians who are all “Reading Stars!” The star is made with a single sheet of paper, five folds and one snip of the scissors. The librarian on the right is author Susan Fichtelberg.

The Magic Star - 11-14-08

My final story was “The Stubborn Turnip,” a string story adaptation of the Russian tale “The Enormous Turnip.” Below, workshop participants celebrate their successful attempt to make the string bowl in the story.

"The Stubborn Turnip" String Bowl - 11-14-08

Both of my workshops were full of lively librarians who appreciate the hands-on activities of the workshop. I had a great time presenting at the New Jersey Association of School Librarians state conference. The 2009 Conference Chair attended my first workshop and asked me to return next year. Now that gives me warm fuzzies all over! My Handmade Tales book sold out even before my first presentation began - wow!

Thank you so much to the conference chair, Pam Cheskey, the conference staff (especially Aliah), and all the lovely librarians who chose to attend my session when there were other wonderful sessions ongoing simultaneously. Thank you to all the librarians who helped me set up and pack up, especially Karen and Wendy. I just love librarians! They are always willing to lend a hand.

A special thank you to Debby Laboon (I just luv u!) and Anne Scharff (my bud), who are both wonderful women. I so appreciate what you do for my books!

Happy Tales to You! Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Dianne de Las Casas & Tedd Arnold - Sept 25, 2008

On Thursday and Friday, the Baton Rouge Public Library hosted a children’s book author/illustrator program (this is their 31st year). Their featured author/illustrator was Tedd Arnold. Tedd Arnold is the author/illustrator of Green Wilma, No Jumping on the Bed, Parts (and its sequels), Super Fly Guy (and its sequels), and many other books.

Thursday night’s program was a family program with the presentation geared for kids. Tedd Arnold shared how he was inspired by his two sons, Walter and William, and their stuffed animals, Charlie (the dog) and Foxy (the fox) for a couple of his books. No More Jumping on the Bed was inspired by Walter. No More Water in the Bathtub was written for William. Tedd’s books are filled with laugh-out-loud humor. If you haven’t read any of the Parts books, you have to! Here is Tedd drawing the main character from Parts.

Tedd Arnold Drawing character from book, Parts - Sept 25, 2008

Tedd’s presentation was infused with great humor and light audience participation. He held the interest of children and adults alike. Super Fly Guy is one of Tedd’s most popular book characters. Tedd drew Fly Guy for the audience.

Tedd Arnold's Fly Guy - Sept 25, 2008

Marita Gentry, the illustrator for my picture book, The Cajun Cornbread Boy, won an illustration from Tedd Arnold.

Marita Gentry & Tedd Arnold - Sept 25, 2008

Here is a picture of our book cover. Isn’t Marita talented?

The Cajun Cornbread Boy By Dianne de Las Casas Illustrated by Marita Gentry

My 18 year old daughter, Soleil, is majoring in art at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. She wants to pursue a career in children’s book illustration. I thought it would be a good idea for her to attend the program. Soleil really got a lot out of both the Thursday night presentation and the Friday morning program. She was able to see the other side of being a children’s book illustrator - presenting for the public. Here is Soleil with Tedd Arnold.

Soleil & Tedd Arnold - Sept 25, 2008

I highly recommend Tedd Arnold’s books. He’s a phenomenonally funny author and great guy, a super “fly” guy! LOL

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

Soleil, my 17 year old daughter, the artist, was asked to donate a piece of  art to the New Orleans Opera Association’s charity ball. This is Soleil’s description of her art:

“This is a very special, original piece by Soleil Lisette Casas commissioned especially for the New Orleans Opera Association in keeping with the ‘Romeo & Juliet’ star-crossed lover’s theme of the Opera Ball. This detailed, mixed media work highlights three operas with authentic sheet music and romantic objects such as velvet and lace to ’set the stage.’”

The operas Soleil chose include: “Dido & Aeneas,” “Romeo & Juliet,” and “Orfeo ed Euridice.” The painting is a beautiful black, gray, red and white interpretation of romance operas, with a woman singing her “Aria di Amore.” Soleil concepted the piece, took 25 hours to paint it, and created the title. The painting measures 9″X12″.

It is a gorgeous piece I wish we could keep! Sigh. It will be auctioned at the New Orleans Opera Association ball to raise money for the opera. Congratulations, Soleil! Your painting is gorgeous and will beautify any wall it adorns… We’re so proud of you!!

Sing with joy, my friends!

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

Eliana, my 7 year old, is such a sweet girl. She is constantly kissing me, hugging me, and telling me how much she loves me. She is also very helpful and will do anything I ask her to do right away. In addition, she often takes the initiative to do thoughtful things on her own like make my bed, fold and put her own clothes away, or pour me a drink.

So I thought I would do something special for her. Last month, before I left for my big international trip, I gave her a Super Star Award. It read:

“Super Star Award to
Eliana Marisol Casas
from Mommy
You are AMAZING!
February 2008″

Eliana loves the trophy so much that she carries it around with her all the time. It’s like she won a coveted “Oscar” award. Of course, she deserved it because she is an AMAZING child. Sometimes you have to let your children know in big ways how much you appreciate them. Just because they are.

Here is a watercolor masterpiece she created for me today…

See what I mean? AMAZING! Delight in the miracle of your children. Show them how much you love and appreciate them. They are amazing!

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

My 17 year old daughter, Soleil, had to do a children’s book project for English V Honors. The book is about a young girl named Holly Wood who is afraid of taking risks.

She doesn’t like riding bikes, roller skating or swimming. The catchy chorus running throughout the book is preceded by a question: “Swimming in the Ocean? Holly shouldn’t… Holly couldn’t… Holly wouldn’t.”

When Holly’s best friend, Michelle, encourages her to try out for the school play, Holly decides to take the leap.

“Acting in the school play? Holly should… Holly could… Holly would!” This delightful story, full of clever word play and bright illustrations already has fans. One of Eliana’s (my 7 year old) classmates’ mother saw the book and asked Soleil if she could buy a copy!

I am certain that you’ll be seeing Holly Would on the bookshelves. I think it will be Soleil’s first children’s book. Publishing a children’s book? Soleil should… Soleil could… Soleil would!  “Soleil, I know you’ll make it. I believe in you!”

I believe Soleil is going to be a bright new star in the children’s book world. And she’s only 17! Just wait! By the way, she’s already working on a second book: The Beastro, a story about monsters cooking up a storm.

Way to go, Soleil!

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

The above picture is the morning view from my ocean front room at the Fiesta Resort Hotel. Wow!

My day began with Cyndy Pruski picking me up (she’s with the Guam Reading Council) to head to Finegayan Elementary School in the northern part of Guam. Again, there was a warm welcome. The school made a beautiful sign for me, based on the artwork of my “Jambalaya” CD, presented me with a HUGE gift basket, and placed a gorgeous Kukui nut lei around my neck.

I performed my “Jump, Jiggle & Jam” show and it was a hit. The audience was fabulous as were the teachers and staff. They also prepared a small “merienda” (snack) for me following the show.

This is a picture after the hugs from the Finegayan students. So sweet!

After Finegayan, Cyndy took me to Truman Elementary in the south of Guam. I learned so much about the Chamorro culture from Cyndy, who served as my impromptu tour guide, as well as from the Chamorro displays at the schools.

The teachers at Truman prepared a tasty fiesta for me. I even tried a Chamorro specialty - chicken keliguin, a spicy type of chicken salad. Mmmmmm!

After the fiesta, Evelyn, one of my other hosts, had a special Chamorro storytelling presentation performed for me by her second grade students (performed in the Chamorro language). It was delightful. On my way to the auditorium, where I was to perform, I was serenaded with a ukelele by a fifth grade boy named Anthony. What an honor!

I performed to a packed house!

After my performances, I did a little shopping (Thanks, Cyndy!). Then I headed back to my hotel for a little R&R on the beach. Breathtaking!

I ended the day with an interview with Sonya Artero, a local newscaster on one of the TV stations in Guam. She was a complete delight. We just clicked and hit it off. Then I had dinner at a Chinese restaurant with Tina Buendicho and her 13 year old daughter, Edriana.

The people of Guam are so warm and friendly. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Until then,

Warmly, Dianne

P.S. Love to Antonio, Soleil & Eliana!

Friends:

Happy Valentine’s Day! This morning my family woke up and found that Cupid visited! A bevy of treats awaited them at the kitchen table, decorated with rose petals, red and pink candes. Eliana loves her pink poodle, “Lovey.” Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays! I love showing the people I love and care about how important they are to me. It’s my greatest reward all day.

This morning, I set a heart-shaped box of chocolates on each table in the teacher’s lounge, along with a giant card, just to let the teachers and staff know how much I appreciate them. They were all tickled. The chocolate was pretty much devoured before lunch ended!

Above is a picture of Snow White with the dwarves who love her so much. This beautiful mural graces one of the walls in the main hall of the school.

As usual, I had a fantastic day. All of my classes were superb (needing minimal correction from me - yay!). Third grade enjoyed their role playing and came up with a cool rap for their story chorus in the story theater they are performing called “Take Care of My Cabbage,” a Louisiana tale full of French words. Here are some third grade students depicting a high society woman walking her dog in Central Park, New York.

For my second visit to the lower grades, I told the stories “Pulling Up the Sweet Potato,” my Louisiana version of the Russian folktale, “The Enormous Turnip.” I also told “The Cajun Cornbread Boy,” my spicy version of “The Gingerbread Man,” which will be my first picture book. Here are pictures of me telling in a kindergarten and a first grade classroom.

My day ended with my sweethearts - my husband, Antonio, and my beautiful girls, Soleil (17) and Eliana (7). Soleil surprised the family with a plate of Godiva chocolate-covered strawberries (good thing I walked my two miles today!). Soleil special-ordered them and designed them herself. She said they were “dark dipped, white tipped and red drizzled.” They were gorgeous AND tasty! I had to eat them! My husband gave me a book I wanted, A New Earth: Awaking to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckard Tolle. He also sent me a miniature pink rose bush and chocolates from Harry and David. Eliana spent her own money and bought me a heart-holding panda snow globe. Check out these strawberries… Mmmmm!

Today was definitely a chocolate-dipped strawberry day. It began and ended — sweet. Sweet dreams, my friends. Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

Soleil, my 17 year old, is a senior in high school and applying for art school. Schools she is considering include Louisiana State University (in state but low on her priority list as she wants to move out of state), Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York (her #1 choice because she is in lust with New York), Rhode Island School of Design, and Savannah College of Art and Design (my husband and I are leaning toward this choice - in addition to art school, it’s a college and set in the beautiful Southern town of Savannah). Ultimately, we have to see where the $$ falls… We’re hoping for a great scholarship/financial aid package. Soleil has the grades, test scores, and school involvement (she is fifth in her class with a 3.63 GPA, received a 28 on the ACT, and is very involved in school). Okay, yes, I am a proud mama!

We have been working hard on getting her art portfolio together. Here are samples of her art pieces. This piece, done in graphite, is called “I am Woman; Hear Me Roar.”

This next piece, rendered in ink, is called “Lone Wolf.”

This next one is called “Slave to Fashion.” I love the concept of this piece. It was rendered in Prismacolor colored pencils.

The following piece is a photograph of her sister, Eliana (who was 5 years old at the time), that Soleil took and developed. It is titled “Sleeping Beauty.”

This final piece, done in ink and water colors, was commissioned by me for my Kamishibai story, “The Magic Pot.”

Soleil wants to be a children’s book illustrator. I think she’s well on her way.

I have had so many people make comments like, “She’s so smart! Why are you encouraging her to go to art school?” As a successful “artist” (performing and literary, not visual) myself, how can I not?! I believe that if you are passionate about your dreams, then you should pursue them. Because Soleil has grown up with me as the model of artist entrepreneur, I know she understands how much work goes into establishing a successful career in the arts. I also think that she has the drive and determination to create a successful career for herself.

Life is too short not to try to live your dreams. Where there is a will, there is always a way. Soleil, in the words of Henry David Thoreau, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.”

So friends, find your way and go in the direction of your dreams. You can do it!

Warmly, Dianne