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

Friends:

I had the pleasure of performing at Audubon Elementary in Kenner, Louisiana. I performed at the school last year and many of the students remembered me! When they saw me, they began singing my song “Peanut Butter and Jelly Jam.” My “Scared Silly” show began with grades 3-5.

Audubon Elementary Grades 3-5 Dianne performing Scared Silly - 10-31-08

The school was celebrating a Fall Math Fest so I was asked to add math to my show. For the upper grades, I adapted a Chinese Folktale called “The Magic Pot” and turned it into a Halloween tale about Mr. and Mrs. Dracula, who have a magic cauldron that doubles everything that is placed inside the pot. The story turned out great and the students really enjoyed the tale, especially the voices of the vampires!

Here I am performing “The Fifolet,” a Louisiana tale about a bogey from the bayou.

Audubon Elementary Grades 3-5 Dianne Performing "The Fifolet" - 10-31-08

At the end of the show, I had time for one more song so my 8 year old daughter, Eliana, who did not have school, joined me in singing “Shake-A-Shake Them Bones.”

Audubon Elementary Grades 3-5 Shake-a-shake Them Bones - 10-31-08

After I finished with the upper grades, the lower elementary came in - pre-school through 2nd grades. It was such a fun show. I started with performing an original story based on a Mother Goose tale. The story is called “The House That Witchy Built.”

Audubon Elementary Grades PK-2 Dianne performing The House that Witchy Built - 10-31-08

To fulfill the math request of my client, I wrote a new song for the lower grades called “Baby Monster.” Eliana helped me with the song. It was so much fun and turned out cuter than I had anticipated.

Audubon Elementary Grades PK-2 Dianne and Eliana performing Baby Monster - 10-31-08

Here I am performing “The Viper.”

Audubon Elementary Grades PK-2 Dianne performing The Viper - 10-31-08

There was a lot of audience participation with the lower grades. Here are some students helping Eliana and me perform “5 Little Ghosties,” an original Halloween fingerplay.

Audubon Elementary - Dianne, Eliana & students doing 5 Little Ghosties - 10-31-08

The show for the little ones ended with “The Ghost of Mable Gable,” which sent the audience and teachers rolling on the floor with its hilarious ending and then my song “Shake-a-shake Them Bones.”

Thank you to all the students, teachers, and staff at Audubon Elementary. I had a great time celebrating Halloween with y’all! A special thank you to Ms. Roques and Jeanne Castanza for always inviting me to their school. You rock!

Happy Tales to You!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

I did it! I pulled it off (with lots of help - Thanks, Mom, Clay, Gary, Jennie, Papi, Soleil and kids). Antonio’s 40th Birthday Fajitas-n-Ritas Surprise Fiesta was a success. Ole!

His best friend, George (pictured above) took Antonio out for the day for a belated birthday celebration to have lunch and to see the WWII Baseball exhibit at the National World War II (D Day) Museum. Antonio left after 1:30 pm so I didn’t get started preparing for the party until 2:00 pm and the party was scheduled for 7:00 pm!! I had to hide everything at my mom’s house. I chose a Mexican Fiesta theme because Antonio and I met at a Mexican restaurant 17 years ago…

I had less than five hours to cook, clean, decorate and get ready. My mom, Jennie (my mother-in-law) and I did the cooking. Soleil and my brother, Gary, helped with the decorating. On the menu: beef fajitas marinated in tequila, lime, garlic and Southwest seasoning; cheese enchiladas; Mexican casserole; refried black beans; Spanish rice; chicken tortilla soup; walking taco; Fiesta pork roast; nachos; chips and salsa; pineapple, grapes, and strawberries with cream cheese fruit dip; caramel cake; and birthday cake. In addition, we had a fruit punch fountain, sangria and of course, the MARGARITAS! I set up a fajita bar outside where people could make their own fajitas or burritos. We had all the fixins - grilled onions, grilled bell peppers, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, and tomatoes. There was a ton of food inside and outside.

We waited for Antonio with sombreros on… When he walked through the door, we all yelled, “OLE!” Was he surprised! He had no idea that this was going on. It was a big sigh of relief for me because I had to do some elaborate “storytelling” to pull this surprise party off. We had tons of friends and family who helped make this night special. (Love to my best friend, Lisa and Johnette…)

Petros, Antonio’s friend and co-worker, volunteered to blend the margaritas and boy, did he blend a bunch of margaritas! Here is Petros (no, hats off to YOU, Petros!) with his wife, Katarena, and our friend, Harold (who LOVED wearing his hat - yes, Harold, you may have one to keep). LOL

It was such a wonderful party. We had a great time eating fajitas, sipping on ‘ritas and eating AND dancing Salsa! I wanted to show my husband that yes, 40 is fabulous, especially when you are surrounded by friends and family. We had over 30 people helping us celebrate! Now that is living! Happy Birthday, Sweetie!

We certainly managed to spice up Antonio’s birthday. What a celebration!

Here is my mom, Josie - 2 pot holders, 4 margaritas, 6 sombreros, and 8 hours later… Yes, she really is wearing 6 sombreros! (Thanks for all your help, Mom! I could not have accomplished this without you!)

Find the “Fiesta” in your life and celebrate with friends and family. Ole!

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

Today is the first Friday of Lent. In the Catholic tradition, we don’t eat meat on Fridays. So my family requested one of their favorite recipes, my original Tomato Basil Bisque. It is delicious and hearty. Without the addition of half-n-half, it can also be a very diet-friendly recipe.

Tomato Basil Bisque by Dianne de Las Casas

Ingredients:
20 medium-size vine-ripened tomatoes or 25 ripe roma tomatoes, diced into small cubes
1 c. water
4 boullion cubes
2 tubs of ready-made pesto
1/2 c. grated aged parmesan cheese
1 c. grated Italian blend cheeses
1 c. half-n-half
1 tbsp. dry basil
1 tbsp. garlic powder
3 heaping tbsp. minced garlic
Box of cheese straws
1 tsp. white pepper
Salt to taste

Preparation:
In a large pot, sautee’ minced garlic in a little extra virgin olive oil for about a minute or two. Add diced tomatoes and cook down until there is a visible amount of liquid in the pot. Add 1 cup of water and the four boullion cubes. Add all the dry ingredients. Let simmer for about 15 minutes. Then add the cheeses and pesto. Puree’ the soup with a Thunder Stick or in a blender. Once the mixture is pureed, add the half-n-half, stirring it and mixing it well. Simmer for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to marry and the bisque to thicken. Salt to taste.

Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheese on top and cheese straws. A side salad makes a nice accompaniment. I like to leave the bisque chunky (with the basil and tomato skins inside). You can opt to strain it although I find it loses some of its character and flavor. It’s a delicious meal perfect for a chilly day. Makes 20 servings so you can feed a large group or save some for lunch! It would be perfect with a grilled cheese sandwich! Mmmmm.

Chocolate Cake:
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup mayonnaise (I know, I know. It’s sketchy. But it takes the place of eggs and oil.)
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla

PREPARATION:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together the flour, cocoa, soda and salt. Cream together the sugar, mayonnaise, water and vanilla. Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture; stir until well blended. Pour batter into greased and floured layer cake pans (or a 9- x 13-inch pan). Bake for about 25 minutes.
**Note: Baking time may vary.

Chocolate Frosting:
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 squares semisweet baking chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar
2 tablespoons milk

PREPARATION:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in cocoa powder, chopped chocolate bits, and vanilla. Place confectioner’s sugar in a large bowl. Pour in cocoa mixture. Beat well (mixture will be extremely thick). Beat in milk, a teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is achieved.
**Note: Double and triple as needed!

Peanut Butter Cream Icing:
INGREDIENTS:
8 tablespoons milk
3 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoon creamy peanut butter

PREPARATION:
Beat all ingredients together in a big bowl. Beat in milk, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is achieved.

ASSEMBLY:
Shave bottom cake. Frost top of it with chocolate frosting. Let sit. Pour on and spread peanut butter cream icing. Shave top cake layer and place carefully on top. Frost top and sides with chocolate frosting. Place leftover peanut butter icing in pastry bag (Ziploc with a small hole in the corner). Pipe straight, horizontal lines even width apart. Run butter knife all the way through across all lines in a downward motion (knife should be perpendicular to all lines). Repeat even widths apart.

Friends:

It was another eventful day. It started out with a meeting at Bissonet Plaza Elementary. The library media specialist, Ellen Miller, has been hiring me for eight years now to perform an annual residency with the students, grades PK-5. When I go to Bissonet, the students, teachers and staff are like family. It’s always such a warm, loving welcome. My residency will be in April. Each year, I do something different. We have not repeated a residency theme yet. This year, we are doing “Stories on Board: Crafting Board Games from Favorite Tales.” Grades PK-2 will hear stories and then play games that I have created from popular folk and fairy tales. Grades 3-5 will be analyzing and mapping out folktales and then creating board games in groups. It will culminate in a gradewide “Game Day” where students will trade games with other classes and play each other’s games. I am so excited about this residency. It’s going to be so much fun! Here is an example of a board game inspired by Cinderella. It was created by my 7 year old, Eliana.

Here is a picture of me, Eliana and Ellen at the school’s library.

Afterwards, Eliana and I met Antonio, my husband, for lunch. We picked him up from work in downtown New Orleans and headed to The Ugly Dog Saloon and BBQ, located in the Warehouse District in New Orleans.

The food is bountiful and inexpensive, not to mention absolutely delicious! They have games that you can play at the table so Eliana and I did a “Falling in Love” domino structure.

It was fun watching them tumble down. The Ugly Dog is a very “New Orleans” establishment. Check out this cool piano. Notice that it is completely covered with Mardi Gras beads and red beans!

Then later, we were surprised by a delivery of a large package. It was a gift box from our dear friend, Kat, of Richmond, Virginia. Kat is a children’s librarian and has been our pen pal for several years now. Kat sent us a Valentine surprise! The box was stuffed with wrapped presents, which we excitedly tore open. Soleil’s favorite gift was a small, rectangular purple purse (she collects purses). Eliana’s favorite present was a princess story box with a customizable story book inside and a heart mirror. My favorite was the cinnamon bun candle (yummy smelling!). Kat, we love you!!!

The day ended with a superb meal fixed entirely by my creative daughters. Since this week is “Mardi Gras week,” they have the whole week off school. They fixed stuffed chicken breast wrapped in bacon. The chicken was stuffed with basil crackers, an Italian blend of cheeses, and hot sausage, all laid on a bed of baby romaine, roma tomatoes, mushrooms, and aged Parmesan. It was drizzled with a garlic balsamic vinaigrette. Needless to say, my husband and I were flabbergasted. Eliana, who at 7 years old, aspires to be a chef, created the seasoning blend that coated the chicken! Soleil (17 years old) was the executive chef extraordinaire, while Eliana was the super sous chef. Not only did they execute an excellent dinner, they also cleaned up the kitchen too! Wow! Take a look at this delectable dish…

Until I write again, may you enjoy each day to the fullest and rejoice in life’s gifts.

Warmly, Dianne

Friends,

Today, I laid down for an afternoon nap (what a luxury). My husband, Antonio, awoke me with a surprise dinner! He grilled New York strip with a homemade spicy Latin rub topped with a garlic herb butter, sauteed spinach, cheddar-stuffed grilled poblano peppers, and ripe roma tomatoes. All of this was finished with a glass of Riesling. Take a look…

Mmmmm! The steak was cooked just the way I like it - medium with a hot pink center. For Christmas, Antonio and I treated each other to the “Outdoor Gourmet” gas grill. It’s so nice - lot of storage, four burners, a granite countertop, and a side burner. We’ve been using this bad boy every week, grilling the most delicious meals!

We love entertaining so the gas grill is a perfect addition to our newly renovated kitchen. Here’s a pic…

This is a picture of my red wall… Red is my favorite color and I’ve always wanted to have a red wall in my house. It’s so SPICY! Studies show that red stimulates appetite so it’s a perfect color for the kitchen. The kitchen table is configured to seat six but we have a leaf that enlarges it to comfortably seat eight with plenty of space in the middle for food!

The other feature I love about this kitchen is the tile backsplash I designed.

It’s not a huge kitchen but it’s tricked out with some cool features such as Cherry cabinets, the Quartz countertop (better than granite - never needs sealing and contains Microban), a tilt-out to hide the sponges, a pull-out spice rack, and anti-slam drawers that glide to a smooth close. It’s a little dream kitchen but it’s my dream kitchen.

So if you’re ready for cuisine thats “yummy in your tummy,” come and visit us in New Orleans! We’ll treat you to Southern hospitality and fabulous food with our indoor and outdoor kitchens!

Warmly, Dianne