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

ORGANIZED AND ENERGIZED! PART 8 – THE HOME OFFICE
By Dianne de Las Casas

The Home Office
In this day and age, nearly everyone has a computer at home. People bring work home and more people are working from home. The home office has become a mainstay in the Western world. In my house, we have two home offices – His and Hers!

The Desk – The desk is the most important piece of a home office. In fact, some home offices are just that – simply a desk. Choose a desk suitable for the space. The one in my husband’s office fits perfectly in the corner. It’s from IKEA. We actually found a matching book case at a different store. My husband’s desk doesn’t have drawers so we use boxes and baskets to containerize desk supplies. A three-tier file tray houses bills, mail, and follow-up items. A magnetic board allows him to hang up notices, coupons, and our daughter’s artwork. Computer software is stored in a zippered and labeled case.

Desk Caddy – Organize pens, paper, scissors, etc. in a desktop caddy. I used an upright utensil organizer for mine.

Paper Storage – Find a paper organizer that can house your printer paper, manila folders, envelopes, labels, and letterhead (if you work from home). IKEA has great office organizers at a very reasonable price.

Manage Magazines – Place magazines in labeled magazine holders.

File Folders – Create file folders for everything. In our home office, we have separate folders for our car insurance, mortgage, home insurance, etc.

Consider a wall-hung file system that can keep current and important projects in sight and at arm’s length. This one has various colors and folds up into a convenient case that can be tucked into a briefcase for an office on-the-go.

Books – Organize books on a bookshelf. Create a library and house the your family’s book in one room. For the M Family, I created a home office/library. Books were categorized by genre – fiction, biography, science, home repair, etc. The cool thing was that we didn’t have to spend any money to create the library (except for the paint in the room). I found five identical bookcases spread throughout the house. By unifying the family’s book collection and giving them a central location, the library now has a place of significance. Not only is there room to grow the library, but travel mementos, photos, and sentimental family collectibles can also be displayed.

Calendar – Computerize! Print out a hard copy

PDA Smart Phone – Consider getting a phone that can also manage your contacts and calendar. Go one step further and find one that also plays music and video. Streamline your life using today’s technology.

The 3 Bs – Use the 3 Bs in the office – bins, boxes, and baskets. Containerize your office supplies and computer CDs. Label all your containers.

In the M Family Office/Library, I re-purposed a stereo cabinet to house office supplies. The door is glass but it looks good because like items are grouped together and I used attractive containers.

If you need to a space to pay your bills, store your books, or surf the Internet, create a home office. It can be a dedicated room or a niche in the corner of a larger room. However you decide to do it, make it yours. Splash the walls with art work that reflects your personality. And remember, to manage the paper monster, you have to constantly maintain. File as you go. Reshelve books. Clean your desk every night before you go to bed.

There is a Shaker saying that a friend of mine taught me, “If it can be put down, it can be put up.” Put up the clutter; don’t put up with the clutter! This is your year to get organized and energized. Here’s to beautiful spaces. Here’s to beautiful you!