7-2-09 The Spirit of Morgan City Boat that welcomes visitors to the city

Friends:

On Thursday, I performed at the Morgan City Public Library. My show wasn’t until 2pm and there was so much to take care of beforehand. Because of the previous day’s breakdown, I had to get my car towed to my auto repair place in Harvey (about 90 miles away). Here are the girls in front of the tow truck.

7-2-09 Ashlynn & Eliana in front of 2nd tow truck, towing car from my hotel parking lot

Then I had to arrange for a rental car. Fortunately, I have a AAA premier membership, which entitled me to a complimentary one day car rental. Enterprise was located in Berwick, just before Morgan City and the girls there were so nice! Thank you so much, Hope and Wendy!!

7-2-09 Hope and Wendy at Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Berwick, LA

After getting all of that straightened out, the girls and I headed to the Latin Corner, an awesome Cuban Restaurant in downtown Morgan City. The Cuban Sandwiches are to die for!!

7-1-09 Eliana and her Cuban Sandwich crumbs

Our show at the library was so much fun. I had friends attend! Thank you to Faye Hanson (my friend and fellow storyteller from Arkansas) and her family for coming. Thank you also to Ms. Dolores Henderson (my friend and fellow storyteller from Morgan City) and her cousin, Tiffany, for coming too!

7-2-09 Showing The Cajun Cornbread Boy book to the audience

I had so much fun at the library. Thank you so much to Ethel and the staff of the Morgan City Public Library for making us so welcome. And thank you to Wesley, Ethel’s son, for helping us unload and set up. The people of South Louisiana are so wonderful! I am sorry I missed Lisa Mayon, the director of the Library. She was unable to be at the library but someone from the Library Commission welcomed me when I arrived! Now that’s hospitality for you…

Here’s a picture of all the (grown-up) storytellers…

7-2-09 Dolores Henderson, Dianne de Las Casas, Faye Hanson, Christopher, Dave, Brenna & Alexa

Upon the recommendation of the library staff, the girls and I headed for The Dugout after the show, a snowball stand on Onstead St., next to a ballpark. Yes, we love sno balls!

7-2-09 Ashlynn & Eliana in front The Dugout Sno Ball Stand

We enjoyed our visit to Morgan City and look forward to returning next year (we are scheduled for a show there in May 2010)! We had a blast!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

7-1-09 How Loose in Your Goose? First Show at Vernon Parish Library

Friends:

It has been quite the day. My Internet connection is almost non-existent but I will try to upload as many pictures as I am able.

Today, we performed at Vernon Parish Library in Leesville, Louisiana. My first show was at 9:15am and the second show was at 10:15am. The audience was fantastic. I had a blast with them. Vernon Parish has the sweetest patrons ever too – so friendly and complimentary.

Thank you, Brenda Johnson, for inviting me! Eliana, Ashlynn and I enjoyed being at your library so much. The girls didn’t want to leave! I enjoyed visiting with you and seeing the wonderful collectibles and memorabilia in the children’s room!

Upon Brenda’s recommendation, we ate at a Chinese restaurant (authentic too!) called Teriyaki Wok. The food was great and our server taught the girls some Chinese.

7-1-09 Eliana & Ashlynn's lunch at the Teriyaki Wok in Leesville

After lunch, we began the trek back to South Louisiana. We have a show at the Morgan City Public Library on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 2pm. Here’s where the day began to deteriorate…

Just outside Lafayette, on Highway 90 East, my car lost power in the middle of rush hour traffic. I was in the left lane. Imagine, a million cars behind me! So I put the car in neutral and pushed it, by myself, into the neutral ground. The girls were still in the car. Luckily, a kind fellow motorist pulled over and gave me a jump. He was a sweet man and I thanked him for his help by giving him an autographed copy of The Cajun Cornbread Boy for his children. I thought I had enough juice to keep going. I unplugged everything, turned off the air, and we sweated as the car sailed down the highway.

Then it happened again – this time in New Iberia. The car lost power and slowed to a stop. I pulled over on the shoulder this time, just before Exit 128A leading to Abbeville. It was 96 degrees outside at 5:30 in the afternoon. Thank goodness I had snacks, water, and other drinks for the girls.

I called AAA and they assured me I was a priority pick-up. It was so hot, I started to feel sick. The girls were flush and sweating profusely. Eliana couldn’t “hold it” any longer and had to relieve herself in the tall grass next to the car. Poor baby. We finally got out of the car (it was like an oven in there) and stood outside the car (with the hood up), waiting for AAA. I held an umbrella over the girls’ heads. A police car whizzed by without slowing.

Again, another angel motorist to the rescue. A woman named Mitzie pulled over and offered for us to sit in her air-conditioned car while we waited for AAA. She was so sweet to the girls. I gave her my car and she promised to email me. I hope she does! I wanted to give her a book too but the tow truck had arrived and began hooking up the car so it was too late. We thanked Mitzie (Eliana and Ashlynn loved her) and got into the humongous tow truck.

7-1-09 Eliana gets into the tow truck, squinting in the bright sun

It was quite an adventure! We had never been in a big truck before and the girls and I had to climb three steps to get in! The tow truck took us to our hotel in Patterson (just outside Morgan City) and dropped off my car there too. In the morning, I will have to get it towed home to our auto shop. It has a brand new battery and alternator and the tow service guy said he thought it was faulty. With my premium membership, I also get a rental car. Thank goodness my show is at 2pm.

Throughout this ordeal, Eliana and Ashlynn never complained! It was a great safari for them. You girls are so awesome! Such troopers!

Though my day was less than stellar, I have to remember all the good things that happened – 2 motorists stopped to help; the breakdown happened on a populated highway and not on a two lane country road (which we traveled earlier today); the tow company was friendly and accommodating; we arrived safe and sound at our hotel. Tomorrow is a new day and everything will work out!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-30-09 Performing "How Funky is Your Chicken" at the library in Minden

Friends:

This week my niece, Ashlynn, is traveling with Eliana and me. Our first show was at the main library in Minden, Louisiana. When we arrived, we were given the royal treatment. Three muscled men carried in all my equipment. Sweet! Here is Ashlynn and Eliana with Mr. Richard, one of the men who helped us. He is a tall 6 feet 7 inches! He and his wife are having a baby in December – if it’s a girl, her name will be “Ashlynn.” How coincidental is that?!

6-30-09 The Girls with Tall Mr. Richard

Sharon Reader, the sweet children’s librarian, had the room ready and cold bottled water. Thank you so much! Though the crowd was smaller than usual, I had an energetic group of kids who loved to participate.

6-30-09 Taking pictures with fans at the Minden library

After our show, Eliana, Ashlynn & I went to Moody’s Cafe. It is a tradition that was begun long ago by former children’s librarian, Jennifer Purdy. Thank you, Jennifer! Moody’s is a small “hole in the wall” house restaurant with the most delicious Southern cooking you will taste! I had fried chicken, turnip greens & purple hull peas. Eliana and Ashlynn shared a plate of chicken fried steak, broccoli and cheese, and sweet yams. I always look forward to the “hot water cornbread,” torpedo-shaped pieces of cornbread that are baked and then deep fried. So bad… and so good!!!

6-30-09 Southern Lunch @ Moody's Cafe

Here is Eliana enjoying coconut AND chocolate pies. How can you NOT taste both?!!

6-30-09 Eliana eats coconut and chocolate pies at Moody's

After rolling out of Moody’s, we headed to Springhill, which is located on the Arkansas border. We had such a great crowd at Springhill. Camp kids, parent-brought kids, and grandparent-brought kids filled the room.

6-30-09 Silly Crowd at Springhill

We all had a great time getting creative and rockin’ out at the library.

6-30-09 Performing "The Princess Pat" at the library in Springhill

After the show, I treated the girls to ice cream at AmJenn’s Soups and Scoops. They both ate birthday cake ice cream.

6-30-09 Ashlynn & Eliana @ AmJenn's Soups & Scoops

After ice cream, we drove into Arkansas. Okay, we just crossed the border but we can say we hit two states today! LOL

6-30-09 Welcome to Arkansas

Then I drove three hours to our destination – Vernon Parish (Leesville, Louisiana). After that long drive, it was nice to dip in the Olympic size swimming pool.

Thank you Webster Parish Libraries. We had fun in Minden and Springhill.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-28-09 Eliana the Diva Rock Star Birthday Girl

Friends:

Wow! What a weekend! Because Eliana and I have been on the road touring, we haven’t had a chance to celebrate her birthday with a big bang, until now. Last night, we went to the “Greatest Show on Earth,” The Ringing Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. It was a spectacular show.

6-28-09 Soleil, the makeup artist with Eliana, the Diva Rock Star Birthday Girl

Today, we had Eliana’s Diva Rock Star Birthday Party.We mailed out invitations a couple weeks ago that included a hand-created pink zebra electric guitar and star clapper personalized with the guest’s name. The invitations were mailed in a large bubble envelope covered in “Diva” and “Girls Rock!” stickers. The guitars were very big.

First, we tackled the party set-up. We decorated to the hilt. The colors were pink zebra and purple leopard. Check out the table! A large vase of fresh flowers (don’t all divas have fresh flowers delivered?!) are on top of a cake plate, which is set on a platform of 4 glass blocks, forming a square. A pink and black feather boa is wrapped around the base of the glass blocks. Pink candles sit on each corner of the glass blocks. There are hot pink and black table cloths which is accentuated by a square zebra print runner. The guitar in front of the vase is the party invitation created by my oldest daughter, Soleil.

6-28-09 The Diva Table

The rock star paperware was purchased from Oriental Trading. This is what the individual place setting looked like. Each rock star had her own setting. On top of the plate is an electric guitar luggage tag (in which pictures of the girls were inserted). Behind the plate is a pair of glittered star sunglasses, which every diva MUST have! Guitar glitter is sprinkled all over the table.

6-28-09 Girls Rock! Place Setting

I assembled fab goody bags that even included Eliana’s Diva Party Mix. The goody bag contained stickers, a tiara, hair extensions, a “Diva” or “Girls Rock!” necklace and bracelet, blow-up microphone, a jewel tattoo, a rock rubber duck, eye shadows, and lip gloss. Each bag and all its contents were personalized.

6-28-09 The Diva Rock Star goody bag

The girls were instructed to come dressed as rock stars and they totally did. First, they went to the hair station, where they had their extensions and tiaras done. Then they they moved to the makeup station where fantasy makeup was applied by Sassy Sunshine Beauty.

6-28-09 Bienelyn gets her makeup done

They then went to the nail station where they had diva nails done with glitter, designs, and cool colors. Finally, they had a fashion photo shoot. I set up a back drop with pink and zebra fabric. The photos were for their “album cover” and “concert promotions.” They posed with electric guitars and microphones. The girls were so sassy!

6-28-09 The Diva Rock Stars, coming in concert soon to a venue near you!

These cute girls so totally rock!

6-28-09 The Diva Rock Stars totally ROCK!!!!

Breanne, the rock chick in the neon green, had a special outfit on. Her grandma and mom sewed it the night before! How awesome is that?!! After the photo shoot, the girls munched! They had jumbo popcorn chicken, pizza rolls, spinach & asiago chicken sausage, quesadillas, mini quiches, star sugar cookies, deli wheels, grapes, raspberries, and blackberries. They even toasted the Diva Rock Star Birthday Girl, Eliana!

6-28-09 Raising a Toast to Diva Rock Star Birthday Girl, Eliana

Afterwards, they did the birthday “cake,” mini cupcakes creating the shape of an electric guitar. I drew a guitar template on thick poster board secured to a cookie sheet. “Happy Birthday, Diva Eliana!” was written in white frosting on the poster board. Nine hot pink candles adorned the cake, on the neck of the guitar. Here are the girls with the birthday star.

6-28-09 Eliana's Guitar cupcake cake

After eating cupcakes and Itty Bitz ice cream (just like Dippin Dots), the girls rocked out with their favorite karaoke songs. Here are Breanne & Eliana jammin!

6-28-09 Breanne & Eliana rock out to Lady Gaga's "Poker Face"

Eliana opened presents and got some really cool gifts. Nana, Paw Paw, Uncle Gary and her cousins gave her GUITAR HERO for the Wii! Now that’s in keeping with the theme! Uncle Gary also gave Eliana a Lady Gaga CD. She LOVES it!

6-29-09 Eliana gets Guitar Hero & Lady Gaga CD

A special thank you to Nanny Lisa for being such a wonderful “guest hostess!” Unfortunately, we were so busy taking pics of the girls that we forgot to take pics of each other! We gave the girls one final parting gift – a customized album cover with their name, photo & album cover. Special thank you to talented Soleil for doing her magic graphic design work to create the album covers. Pictures of the girls were uploaded to the computer, manipulated in Photoshop, printed and inserted into thin line jewel cases to act as both a CD and picture frame. The girls even picked their album names. We had “Divalicious” (Eliana), “Rock Angel” (Josie), “Rock Princess” (Bienelyn), “Attitude!” (Jasmynn), “Girl Power” (Breanne), “Rock Star” (Camrynn), “Ready to Rock!” (Jaden), and “Girls Rock!” (Ashlynn).

6-28-09 Breanne with her "Girl Power" CD

As a final thank you for coming, each girl will receive something special in the mail. We wanted to make Eliana’s 9th birthday a celebration for everyone, making each girl feel special – like the Diva Rock Stars they are!

6-28-09 Jaden & Eliana take the world by storm!

Eliana, I hope you had a wonderful birthday party. Breanne, Bienelynn, Jaden, Camrynn, Ashlynn, Jasmynn & Josie, thank you so much for coming. You girls ROCK!!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

I just finished a wonderful summer reading tour in Iberville Parish, one of my favorite library systems in Louisiana. I just adore the librarians there! My first performance was on June 24, 2009 in the morning, at the main branch in Plaquemine.

They had such a gorgeous backdrop, based on the summer reading art, that I didn’t set up my backdrop this time. Their resident artist, Mary Anne, did such an amazing job! I had a nice crowd but the highlight of my visit to the main branch was meeting some of the team members of the Louisiana Double Dutch League. They were an amazing group of kids – bright, polite and talented! They even performed a short demonstration of the double dutch jump rope technique for me and the librarians. It was the bomb! Check out these flips! (Shout out to Taylon! Hey girl!)

6-24-09 LA Double Dutch League demonstration at the main library in Plaquemine

Taylon wrote in a sweet email to me, “Hey Ms. Dianne this is Taylon. I am one of the girls from the Double-Dutch League that performed on on Wednesday June 24, 2009. We all thought that you were really funny and we’d be delighted to see you again. We loved the stories you told!!!!!!” Taylon, I would love to see y’all again as well. I was amazed by your creativity, discipline, teamwork, and talent. I hope you’ll use my story song, “Johnny Jeremiah” in your jumps!

My next show was in the afternoon at the library in White Castle. Here I am with Kitty Wood, the branch manager. Kitty is always so hospitable. Eliana and I love visiting White Castle! Love you, Kitty!

6-24-09 Dianne de Las Casas & Kitty Wood at the White Castle Library

We had a nice crowd and we had a blast. The kids really enjoyed the show. Again, check out the lovely backdrop created by Mary Anne.

6-24-09 Dianne doing a gator chomping at the White Castle Library

After our shows, Eliana and I returned to our hotel for a relaxing evening swim. Here is Eliana, trying out her new mermaid flipper and goggles. Too cute!

6-24-09 Eliana the Mermaid

On Thursday, June 24, 2009, we visited the St. Gabriel  Library in East Iberville Parish. We took the ferry from Plaquemine and crossed the river. The library is rather small so the programs are held at the high school next door, in the band room. The crowd was lively and uninhibited. We had a ball.

6-25-09 The whole crowd dances "How Funky is Your Chicken?" in St. Gabriel

Eliana and I ate at Wayne’s near the library on River Road. We always have po boys there after our show. Then it was off to Grosse Tete. We had to cross the river again. Here is Eliana on the Plaquemine ferry.

6-25-09 Eliana on the Plaquemine ferry

Our show in Grosse Tete is always at the Lions Club. We usually have a pretty big crowd. But this year, the neighboring daycare did not attend so we had a smaller group. It became an intimate “porch telling,” kind of like sharing stories with your closest family. The kids even got to hear a ghost story, which they absolutely loved.

6-25-09 Signing books in Gross Tete

Thank you to all the girls who helped me pack up the show!

6-25-09 The Girls of Gross Tete (Eliana is in the brown & blue dress)

After the show, I treated several of the children to sno balls. Yum!

6-25-09 Eating monster sno balls in Grosse Tete

Eliana and I had a fantastic time in Iberville Parish. Thank you so much to Dannie, Anne, Kitty, Julie, Lydia, Brenda, and the rest of the amazing library staff. We love seeing old friends and making new friends. It’s such a treat for us – as sweet as sno balls.

Until next time! See you down the road…

Warmly, Dianne

6-21-09 Jackson Square, New Orleans at Sunset

Friends:

My cousin, Heidi, flew in from Arizona on Thursday, June 18, 2009. I haven’t seen her in 30 years so it was a momentous occasion. After picking her, we took her to Zea for dinner and then she saw the rest of the family – my mom, Clay, my brother, and his children.

6-19-09 My cousin, Heidi

She settled into her roomwhere I had fresh flowers, a candle, and a welcome basket waiting for her. Her bed was turned down every night with chocolates on the pillow and made up every morning. There was fresh coffee and continental breakfast in the morning.

6-18-09 The guest room for Heidi

On Friday, she had lunch with another friend. That evening, we went to my mom’s house for a Filipino Fiesta! Mom made lumpia, fried rice, pancit, chicken adobo, and pork adobo.

6-19-09 Filipino Fiesta! Ma sarap - talaga!

On Saturday, we took Heidi for her first drive-through Daiquiri experience. Then we gave her the “Katrina” tour of the 9th ward.

6-20-09 Flood Street intersecting Dorgenois in the 9th Ward, where my seamstress, Michelle, used to live

She was surprised by the amount of devastation still present, even 4 years later.

6-20-09 The 9th ward, still devastated 4 years later

There was some significant rebuilding, most notably, the Make It Right homes spearheaded by Brad Pitt. The houses are eco-friendly, hurricane friendlier, and made from recycled and reused materials. While beautiful, they are oddities in the neighborhood because their architecture is not “New Orleans.”

6-20-09 Make it Right House

After touring the 9th Ward, it was time to hit the town. I planned dinner at Muriel’s on Jackson Square and a night on Bourbon Street. Every first time visitor to New Orleans has to experience Bourbon at least once.

6-20-09 Tropical Isle on Bourbon Street, home of the famous Hand Grenade

There are some quintessential New Orleans sites a visitor has to see – here’s one – The Lucky Dog Stand!!

We stayed at the Hotel St. Ann Marie Antoinette on Conti Street, a half block from Bourbon. The building was old and the air conditioning did not work properly but the hotel staff (Thank you, Lloyd) took care of us. Here is a picture of Heidi and I before dinner at Muriel’s.

6-20-09 Dianne & Heidi going to Muriel's for dinner

Sunday was Father’s Day so we spent the day with my family. For breakfast, we ate at Carlos Mencia’s Suave restaurant. It was delicioso! Later, we met Mom and the krewe at Outback Steakhouse for Father’s Day dinner.

6-21-09 Heidi with my stepdad, Clay (left) and my brother, Gary (right)

After dinner, we ventured back into the French Quarter for more sightseeing with Mom and Clay.

6-21-09 Heidi in front of Jackson Square

Heidi oohed and ahhed over the architecture the day before, so I decided that we should go on a carriage ride through the Quarter. I took this next picture from the carriage – the statue of Joan of Arc, donated to New Orleans from our sister city of Orleans, France.

6-21-09 Joan of Arc Statue on Decatur Street

It was such a nice ride and our guide, John, was most accommodating.

6-21-09 Eliana with Ada the Mule from our carriage ride

Here’s a picture of Heidi with the family, in Jackson Square.

6-21-09 Clay, Mom, Eliana, Soleil and Heidi in the back

We ended the evening with beignets at Cafe Du Monde. Yum!

6-21-09 Cafe' Du Monde - Beignets & Cafe Ole'!

On Monday, we ate lunch at Grand Isle Restaurant on Fulton Street. It was a fabulous meal. Heidi had shrimp remoulade over fried green tomatoes. We stopped at the Piazza di Italia for a Kodak moment…

6-22-09 Eliana & Dianne at the gorgeous Piazza di Italia

While Heidi had a meeting with a client, I took Eliana to the Louisiana Children’s Museum. You can see Eliana’s pictures on her blog, ElianaCooks.com. Then we took Heidi on a tour of the Garden District, riding down the historic St. Charles Avenue.

6-22-09 St. Charles Streetcar

Heidi was amazed that two such different universities (Loyola and Tulane) stood beside each other. That’s New Orleans – everyone is a neighbor. Everyone is a friend.

6-22-09 Loyola University on St. Charles Avenue

Here is Heidi in front of a classic New Orleans shotgun house.

6-22-09 Heidi in front of a classic New Orleans shotgun house

On Monday night, we ate at my mom’s for some New Orleans classics – jambalaya, red beans & rice, crawfish & corn bisque, blackened chicken pasta, shrimp pasta, french bread, and bananas foster.

6-22-09 Louisiana Feast

So in Heidi’s four days in New Orleans, this is what she did:

1. Toured the French Quarter

2. Ate a shrimp po boy

2. Rode a carriage through the Quarter

3. Ate beignets at Cafe’ Du Monde

4. Saw Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral

5. Saw the famous “Cities of the Dead” cemeteries

6. Rode down St. Charles Avenue

7. Saw the St. Charles streetcar

8. Ate jambalaya, red beans & rice, crawfish & corn bisque, blackened chicken pasta, shrimp pasta, french bread, bananas foster and creole cream cheese icecream (all in one meal!)

9. Ate gumbo

10. Saw the Piazza di Italia

11. Saw the line at Mother’s (and decided not to eat there!) LOL

12. Experienced Bourbon Street

13. Toured the Katrina-devastated 9th Ward

14. Saw the Mississippi River and the Creole Queen, a paddle wheel boat

15. Ate at Muriel’s on Jackson Square

And in between all that, she hung out with my fabulous family! Heidi, I hope you had a good time, despite needing gills to breathe in our sultry city. Laissez les bon temps rouler – let the good times roll! Hugs, Heidi!

6-23-09 Heidi at the New Orleans Airport on her last morning in New Orleans. Farewell, Heidi!

Perhaps, dear reader, you will one day be my guest too.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-18-09 Performing "The Princess Pat" at the Hancock County Public Library, Kiln Branch in Mississippi

Friends:

On Thursday, June 18, 2009, Eliana and I headed to Mississippi. We had a summer reading show at the Kiln Branch Library in Hancock County.

As soon as we arrived, the library staff was ready for us, helping us unload and set up. They were soooo sweet! Thank you to Sandra, Bob, Joel, Victoria, and all the staff at the Kiln branch library for all your help.

We had a big crowd (over 100) with a large group that came in from the local YMCA. What fun.

6-18-09 Performing "How Funky is Your Chicken" at the Kiln Branch Library in Hancock County, Mississippi

After my show, I signed a bunch of books and took a tour of the beautiful library. The children’s section was gorgeous, with a house front porch on the wall. I am so bummed because forgot to take a picture! Everyone at the library was so friendly and the staff extended their warm Southern hospitality. They sent us home with peach upside-down cake! Yum! Thank you so much, Sandra Ladner!

A special thank you to Jamie Elston, who brought me to Hancock County Public Libraries. I’ve known Jamie for years. She worked at the West Bank Regional Library in Harvey, Louisiana where I got my start as a storyteller, as a volunteer 13 years ago! I’ve definitely grown since then!

6-18-09 Jamie Elston with children being creative @ the Kiln Library

After our shows, Eliana and I stopped at the Sno Palace for some amazing snow balls. That sure hit the spot in midst of the summer heat!

See you down the road! Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-14-09 Apt. A in Abbeville

Friends:

Eliana celebrated her 9th birthday in Vermilion Parish. We arrived on June 14, 2009. The Vermilion Parish Library put us up at a gorgeous cottage in the heart of historic Abbeville called “Apt. A.” It was definitely one of the nicest places we have stayed at in Louisiana, which is why I am raving about it! It was the “icing on the cake” of our adventure in Vermilion Parish. Check out this lovely apartment!

6-14-09 Apt A in Abbeville, Living Room/Bedroom

When Eliana and I arrived, the sofa bed was made up for Eliana, chocolates were on our pillows, the refrigerator was stocked with orange juice, milk, fresh strawberries, yogurt and drinks. There were fresh muffins on the counter as well!

6-14-09 Apt. A in Abbeville, Kitchen

The apartment is so warm and inviting, with every detail attended to – the fluffiest white towels in the bathroom, robes, travel guides, and wireless Internet access. Every luxury of a fine hotel with the comfort and warmth of a home. Debbie Garrot, the hostess of Apt. A made sure that we had everything we could possibly need, and then some!

Our first show on Eliana’s birthday, June 15, was in Gueydan. We had a nice little crowd and really enjoyed the people there. Our second show was in Maurice. I had a blast with the children there! After the show, we sang “Happy Birthday!” to Eliana and played hand games with the kids. I even told a spooky story as a bonus.

6-15-09 Performing "Princess Pat" at the Maurice Library. Eliana is in the pretty pink dress. Happy 9th Birthday, Eliana!

After our shows, Eliana and I headed back to Apt. A. We were surprised with a lovely surprise birthday cake in the refrigerator from Debbie Garrot. How thoughtful! We didn’t have time for a piece because we had dinner plans with my friend, Troy Leger, a DJ with 94.5 KSMB in Lafayette. We at at Posado’s, a wonderful Mexican Restaurant, where Troy arranged for a birthday sundae dessert for Eliana with “9″ written in caramel on top of the ice cream! Troy, you rock!

6-15-09 Eliana, Dianne & Troy Leger celebrating Eliana's 9th birthday at Posado's in Lafayette

On Tuesday, June 16, 2009, Eliana and I had two shows. Our first show was at the main branch library in Abbeville. We had a gigantic crowd of more than 130 children. I had a big stage and it was a lot of fun!

6-16-09 Performing at Vermilion Parish Library - Abbeville main branch

It was a great crowd and we had so much fun! Look at their faces!

6-16-09 A delighted audience in Abbeville

We had lunch with Ellen Rogers of the Vermilion Parish Library – what a sweetheart!! She had me laughing so much – she is smart, funny and warm-hearted. She has a really cool blog called “Maxwell the Tatooed Boy and Other Astounding Joys.”

6-12-09 Haunted King's Tavern Restaurant, Natchez, Mississippi

Friends:

On our way home, we stopped in Natchez, Mississippi for a celebratory dinner in honor of Eliana’s birthday. We ate at the King’s Tavern Restaurant, which is reputed to be haunted. A young woman by the name of Madeline was murdered and found bricked in the fireplace with a jeweled dagger in her chest. It is said that Madeline and other ghostly inhabitants haunt the establishment.

We had a spooky experience while touring the upstairs room. In a photograph of Eliana and Jasmynn’s reflection in an armoire mirror, another woman’s face appeared in place of Jasmynn’s face. Everyone in the restaurant was amazed by the photo taken with my digital camera.

6-12-09 Ghostly face (on the right) in the mirror at King's Tavern in Natchez, Mississippi

On Saturday, we prepared for a very important houseguest who will be arriving on June 18th: my cousin, Heidi, whom I haven’t seen in 30 years! I am so excited! Soleil, Eliana and I worked to get our house in tip top order. Soleil’s room, which is our guest room, is gorgeous, almost like a boutique hotel room.

6-13-09 Soleil's gorgeous room, all ready for our VIP visitor

Later in the evening, we had an impromptu family birthday celebration for Eliana, who turns 9 on Monday. Since we are traveling on Monday, we decided to have a little get-together with our family. Her big birthday party is scheduled for Sunday, June 28, 2009. Here is Eliana with her chocolate cupcake cake. Yum!

6-14-09 Eliana's Surprise Birthday Celebration

On Sunday, we had a wonderful dinner at my mom’s house with grilled steaks, lumpia (Filipino eggrolls), hamburgers, mac and cheese, and fresh Mango cream casserole. It was delish!

On Eliana’s birthday, Monday, June 15th, we will be in Vermillion Parish. Happy Birthday, Eliana! You are a rock star! I love you!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-12-09 Performing at the Olla Cultural Center

Friends:

Friday was a fun day! Eliana, Jasmynn and I were in Lasalle Parish, one of my favorite library systems in Louisiana. I love the people of Jena and Olla, especially Andrea Book and Donna Estis!

Our first show was at the Olla Cultural Center. We had a sweet crowd and the children as well as the adults really enjoyed the performance. Afterwards, I got to sign the floor of the Olla Cultural Center, next to Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal.

6-14-09 Signing the floor at the Olla Cultural Center, like a Hollywood star! LOL

After Olla, we headed to Jena, set up our show, and then had lunch at one of our favorite places, The Caboose Cafe and Gift Shop. I love that you can eat and shop in the same place!

We had a fantastic show at the Lasalle Parish Library in Jena with a packed house. It was great to see fans who come to our show year after year. (I had more pictures but unfortunately, the Internet was acting up. Bad Internet!)

Thank you so much to all our friends in Lasalle Parish. We look forward to seeing you next year!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne