Friends:

I spent a week in San Francisco and Berkeley, California. I presented two storytelling concerts and two professional development sessions at the International Association of School Librarianship Conference in Berkeley. I met librarians from all over the globe - the United States, Japan, Korea, China, Sweden, Germany, Australia, Austria, India, New Zealand, Canada, Jamaica, and so many other countries. I even received a gift of vegemite to go! It was such a wonderful conference – I was truly inspired by my new international friends. Thank you so much, IASL librarians! A special thank you to Blanche Woolls and Kristin Fontichiaro.

This is a picture of librarians doing a story theater exercise in my Story Fest workshop.

IASL 2008 - Story Fest Workshop

Here is a picture of me with sweet librarians from the U.S., Japan and China.

IASL 2008 - Dianne and International Librarians

This is a picture of one of the librarians performing Kamishibai Story Theater. The story is a Japanese folktale called “The Mouse’s Wedding.”

IASL 2008 - Kamishibai Story Theater Workshop

Prior to the IASL conference, my husband, Antonio, joined me for nearly a week in San Francisco. We stayed at the luxurious Harbor Court Hotel on the Embarcadero. We toured Napa wine country and brought back eight bottles of wine! Woo hoo! We wined and dined our way through San Francisco, eating the most delicious cuisine and sampling the region’s best wines.

San Francisco 2008 - Champagne Tasting at Domaine Chandon, Napa Wine Country

Although I have visited San Francisco before, it has been quite some time since I toured the city and I fell in love with her all over again. The undulating hills make the city scenic and adventurous. Antonio and I saw most of the San Francisco must-sees: the weekend Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market at the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero, Chinatown, Lombard Street (we drove down the world’s “crookedest” street), Pier 39 (including the seals that have taken over the boat slips), Fisherman’s Wharf, the Cliff House overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge (we drove over it and took pictures from a vista point), the cable cars (Antonio hung off the side – talk about cold!), Alcatraz (we viewed it from a distance on a very clear day), and the rolling fog!

Here is the Golden Gate Bridge. The actual color of the bridge is called “International Orange.” It was supposed to be a primer but it was so beautiful that the city decided to keep the bridge that color.

San Francisco 2008 - The Golden Gate Bridge

This is one of the famous buildings in Chinatown, on the corner of California and Grant, where you can catch the renowned cable car.

San Francisco 2008 - Chinatown, California & Grant Streets

Check out the cakes at this Chinatown Bakery. Wow!

San Francisco 2008 - Chinatown Cakes

While in Chinatown, we ate lunch at a very nice restaurant called The Oriental Pearl. The food was delicious. It was also on must-eat list because Rachael Ray (Eliana and I are big fans) ate there for $40/day. So I took this picture just for Eliana.

San francisco 2008 - Dianne at the Oriental Pearl

Antonio and I both had must-eats on our list – I wanted a slice of sourdough pizza and he wanted an authentic Mission burrito. We took the BART and ventured into the Mission district to find the BIGGEST burrito on the planet at Farolito’s, a hole-in-the-wall place that everyone recommended. I found my sourdough pizza at Fisherman’s Wharf at The Franciscan Restaurant’s walk-up window. We did find out that even in August, San Francisco can be quite chilly. We both brought home new jackets. LOL

Here I am at Pier 39. Check out the beautiful city line behind me.

San Francisco 2008 - Dianne at Pier 39

This is the gorgeous Pacific Ocean, viewed from the historic Cliff House.

San Francisco 2008 - The Pacific Ocean at the Cliff House

I can’t forget to show you the famous Cable Car. It’s fun to ride but you better bring a jacket because it can be chilly with the wind whipping around you.

San Francisco 2008 - The Famous Cable Car

This is a view of Lombard Street from our rental car - we’re driving doooooown. You have to ride the brakes and go very slooooowly.

San Francisco 2008 - Driving Down Lombard

San Francisco is definitely in my Top 5 U.S. cities. It’s a city for couples, friends, families, and singles. Thank goodness we didn’t experience any earthquakes while we were there (a 5.4 hit the L.A. area just the week before). But I was definitely shaken and taken by the city’s beauty.

Though we didn’t spend a lot of time in Berkeley, we did tour the Scharffen Berger Chocolate Factory (it’s free). That was AMAZING and the chocolate is superb (satisfying the chocoholic in me…). Scharffen Berger (now a division of Hershey’s Artisan Chocolates) is a gourmet chocolate maker in every sense of the phrase. They pay above fair trade prices for their cacao beans and create the chocolate from beginning to end – from roasting the beans to hand-packaging the bars. If you love chocolate, you must try Scharffen Berger. Here I am being goofy, getting ready to tour the factory. The cover on my chin is for “beards.”

San Francisco 2008 - Dianne Touring Scharffen Berger Chocolate Factory and Being Silly

Antonio and I also dined at Alice Waters’ Chez Panisse in the “Gourmet Ghetto” area of Berkeley. Alice Waters has, for over 25 years, served finely and simply prepared organic in-season food from sustainable agriculture farms no further away than 100 miles from the restaurant. The menu changes daily. Chez Panisse restaurant was named Best Restaurant in America by Gourmet magazine in 2001.

San Francisco 2008 - Chez Panisse Restaurant, Berkeley

Visit the Bay Area – you’ll love the city but be sure to bring a warm jacket!

San Francisco 2008 - Keeping Warm by the Toy Car

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

It was another  amazing day in Guam. My day began with my arrival at the Guam Council of the International Reading Association meeting at the Nikko Hotel in Tumon Bay.  I was scheduled to present an hour and fifteen minute workshop to the membership. After membership business and before my workshop began, the Talafofo Cultural Dance Group presented a beautiful Chamorro dance.

The group consisted of musicians playing and singing traditional Chamorro songs with children singing and dancing. The children were gorgeous, graceful and dynamic.  The dance was so inspirational, it moved me to tears. Seeing the children engaging in their cultural heritage with such spirit was an amazing experience. Biba Chamorro!

Following the dancers, I presented my workshop called “Story Safari,” a combination of “Handmade Tales,” “Kamishibai Story Theater,” and “Story Fest.” I demonstrated three “Handmade Tales” - “Joseph Had an Overcoat,” “Bandana Man,” and “Pulling Up the Sweet Potato.” I then explained the Kamishibai Story Theater Process. Afterwards, every member of the audience participated in presenting two of my story theater scripts, “The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking,” and “The Ant and the Grasshopper.” The teachers were incredible! Unfortunately, my camera battery died and I couldn’t take pictures of their presentations. But the feedback was phenomenal and we are talking about a return visit for a longer professional development session. They wanted more!

Look at how beautiful the stage is decorated!  Great job, Evelyn and Tina! You are phenomenal women. My resources (books and CDs) sold out. Yay! Many of the teachers told me that they were “inspired” and “motivated” and can’t wait to implement the techniques they learned in their classrooms. What a privilege it was to present to this creative and warm group of people. I am so touched by their hospitality and generosity.  Following my workshop, I was presented with more gifts - a tote bag, a t-shirt, a certificate of appreciation, and a stunning tea leaf and orchid lei handmade by Cyndy Pruski, with flowers from her own backyard. Thank you, Cyndy. I am so honored!

Afterwards, I had lunch at a Japanese hibachi restaurant called Joinus with my hosts, Tina, Evelyn, Cyndy and members of the board. Our chef gave us a spectacular show - it was so much fun! After lunch, Tina, Evelyn and Cyndy brought me to Chamorro Village, where I indulged in retail therapy and purchased delicious Guam chocolate and cookies, handmade artisan crafts, and unique native jewelry.

When I returned to my hotel and unpacked my workshop suitcase, there was one more surprise waiting for me - a stack of letters from students of Harry S. Truman Elementary with a thank you note from one of their teachers, Verna Mendiola. So sweet! I <3 U, Verna! This letter is from third grader, Chloe Reyes:

This letter is from third grader, Devin Topasna.

Tomorrow is a full day of fun! I will be picnicking at Ritidian Beach with my new friends and then going to a Polynesian show at night. I am so blessed to be with such warm, hospitable people here in Guam! I have been deeply touched by everyone’s kindness. Their warmth and spirit will forever be imprinted on my heart. Si Yu-Os Ma’ase’! Thank you!

Until next time,

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

Today was the final day of my Louisiana Story Fest residency. The above is a drawing by Ivan, a first grader, of my story, “The Cajun Cornbread Boy.” The gator in the middle has a red mouth, full of cayenne!

I stayed up late Thursday night assembling treat bags for my third, fourth and fifth grade performers, for those who performed without a script. Along with an autographed picture of me, third and fourth graders received “medals” while fifth graders received friendship bracelets. I also made little teacher treat bags. In addition, I put together a goody bag to raffle off to the teachers at the end of the day. Here is a picture of the teacher, Ms. K, a second grade teacher, who won the bag full of treats, including my CDs. The funny thing was that she was the one who gave me the giant card and had her class write letters to me yesterday. I told her she must have good karma!

When I arrived at the school in the morning, I set out four boxes of Krispy Kreme donuts for the teachers. Then I stuffed their mail boxes with the treat bags I prepared. Finally, it was off to set up the video camera in the cafeteria (with the help of the librarian) and make final preparations for the performances (setting up the stage, doing a mic check, preparing the props, and finalizing the lineup).

The first group of students to perform was third grade. There were a large number of parents who attended and I was so pleased. Three third grade performed for the pre-school classes. In all the excitement, I neglected to take pictures of my first two third grade classes. They did an awesome job!! Two of my third grade classes performed completely without scripts. Not only did the students earn their treat bags, their teachers were given one of my CDs as a reward for the class. This is a picture of my last third grade class performing “Petite Pouce and His Dogs.” What a delight to see these students shine on stage. And to think, they did it in less than three class periods!

After third grade, the two fifth grade classes performed for the kindergarten classes. Both of my fifth grade classes performed without their scripts. They were so good that the kindergarten classes began participating and singing with them. The little ones laughed in all the right places. I was so proud of my students and overjoyed that the kindergarteners enjoyed the performances so much. This is a picture of me with Jada, one of my fifth grade students. She was the leader of the chorus and created the melody that the girls sang in “Jean Sotte (Foolish John).” The boys rapped while the girls sang. It was phenomenal. I met Jada’s mother who told me that she was a Gospel singer. No wonder Jada is so talented!

After lunch, fourth grade performed. While some of the students performed with their scripts in their hands, it was still fun. The fourth grade students performed for first and second grade. One of the first grade classes delivered letters to me at the end of the day. They had such wonderful things to say about the fourth graders.

“Dear Ms. Dianne, I liked when you said ‘trip trap’ and the fourth grade. Love, Dwyn”

“Dear Ms. Dianne, I liked when you came in our class and singed (sic) stories. And I like when she told stories in the cafeteria. And I liked the fourth graders. Love, Shaniya” Shaniya even included a lovely picture.

“Dear Ms. Dianne, I enjoyed the songs and I am so happy that the fourth graders said, ’skitter skitter skat - we’ll find our way back, just like that. Word. Love, Kathleen”

Other letters I enjoyed from my first graders:

“Dear Ms. Dianne, I really liked the play and I hope you come back. I had so much fun with the scarf and the tape. I almost forgot! You really sing like an angel. I’ve never heard anyone sing that good and thanks for sharing. Love, Ronique”

“Dear Ms. Dianne, I love the plays and when you went to the classroom. It was funny when you shaked (sic) my head real fast. It was so funny when you said, ‘roach.’ That was the best day of my life. Love, Justin” This is Justin’s drawing of my story, “Madame Poule’ and Monsieur Roach (Mrs. Chicken and Mr. Roach).”

And finally:

“Dear Ms. Dianne, I like how you look. How can you look pretty? How do you look so pretty? And I like your stories and your stories are so cool. And I learned about your stories. Love, Makayla”

As a parting gift, the school gave me a wonderful book called 212: The Extra Degree by S.L. Parker. The book is so simple but has such a profound message: “At 211 degrees, water is hot. At 212 degrees, it boils. And with boiling water, comes steam. And with steam, you can power a train.” The premise of the book is that if you apply the “extra degree,” you can make a difference and accomplish great things. Everyone should read the book! This is the inscription inside the book:

“To Dianne de Las Casas, CS school’s faculty and students would like to thank you for applying one extra degree that really makes a difference. You are really hot! With love, the Faculty and Students of CS School”

I had the best time at this school. Several of the teachers said they would love to have me permanently on staff. It was such a privilege to become a part of this school “family.” I loved all the teachers, staff and students. It was an unforgettable experience, one that I will always carry in my heart. I love you, faculty, staff and students at CS School!

Until I write again, may you laugh, love, and live each day to its fullest. Happy Weekend!

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

It has been a wonderful two weeks visiting all the classrooms of the school where I am the teaching artist-in-residence. I feel like I have truly made deep connections with the students and the teachers.

Today was bittersweet, because it was so wonderful and because it was my last day to visit the classes. My day couldn’t have gone any better if I had planned it that way. My second grade class was as sweet as sugar cane! They had a blast listening to “Pulling Up the Sweet Potato” and “The Cajun Cornbread Boy.” Then we did a cumulative round game that I wrote called “Pile It on the Pie A Mile High.” The students had to think of Louisiana foods to add to the top of the pie as the song went on. It was so much fun because we made mistakes! What a beautiful bunch of children!

My third grade class was fabulously prepared. Their teacher worked with them on the side to rehearse. And it showed. They were so prepared, working completely without their scripts! Their performance is going to ROCK! I can’t wait to see it! Great job, Ms. G (my fellow chocoholic)!

My fourth grade class (the very same one that was a huge challenge the other day) did a great job with their rehearsal. I was such a joy to see the students finally working together to create a piece of which they could be proud. There are a lot of chatter boxes but this class is full of bright, creative children who can accomplish a lot when they put their minds to it. One of my most challenging students (the one who received a behavior report the other day) shone “on stage” when she performed. It gave me goosebumps to see her succeed like that. Afterwards, she hugged me and asked me when I was coming back to the class. It was one of those “Wow” moments.

Today was the school’s Black History luncheon. All the teachers contributed a dish. Talk about delicious! I strayed from my healthy eating habits to splurge on lunch - fried chicken, the creamiest homemade mac-n-cheese, spinach artichoke dip, and the most delectable cabbage and smoked sausage casserole! I really felt like part of the family, laughing at the table with my new friends and sharing their food.

After lunch, I saw Pre-K. What a delightful group of students!!!!! (Ms. S - you are a rockin’ teacher!) The children, teachers, and I had the best time! After I told “The Cajun Cornbread Boy,” one of the students nicknamed me “Cayenne Dianne.” It was hilarious. We laughed so hard that my stomach hurt and my make-up ran. It was one of those moments filled with abundant joy. I love laughing so hard that it sounds like your soul is bubbling to the top. Thank you, Ms. S and Ms. L for a “spicy” time!

My fifth grade class did a great job with their rehearsal. They still needed some direction but, over all, they were fine. Afterward, we even had time for a little fun and played “Pile It on the Pie A Mile High.” I look forward to their performance tomorrow!

The teacher who wrote the grant to bring me to the school filled out an evaluation form for me for another grant I am working on. This is what she said (it brought tears to my eyes)… It was one of the highlights of my day!

“Dianne has been able to captivate our students from three year olds to fifth graders. Her age-appropriate stories have sparked creativity across all grade levels. The teachers have stopped me in the halls to thank me for making sure she was in our grant! They have been very impressed by her abilities.”

But I have to say that my favorite part of the day was receiving a gift from today’s second grade class. I was moved to tears by their gift. Look at this card - the grapes are made with the students’ fingerprints!

The students wrote letters to accompany the humongous card they gave me. And the letters weren’t form letters either - they came from the students’ hearts! Ms. K - you have class!! (pun totally intended… LOL) Here are some of the letters:

“Dear Ms. Dianne, thank you for coming to our school. I loved the Cornbread Boy. I enjoyed the Sweet Potato Story. My favorite part in the Cornbread Boy story was ‘a jump, a skip, and a hop.’ Also, I was fond of dancing with the scarves. I like when we were putting our scarves down and up. I hope you can come back to our class. Love, Mikala”

“Dear Ms. Dianne, Thank you for coming to our school. I liked the cockroach story. I liked the cockroach story because it was funny. Also, I enjoyed Cornbread Boy. I loved the part when the cornbread boy did a triple back flip off of the alligator’s head. I hope you can come back next year and join us again. Love, Vernay”

“Dear Ms. Dianne, Thank you Ms. Dianne for coming to our class. I enjoyed the Pile it on the Pie song. I liked it when it started getting confusing. Also, I loved when you said, Run run as fast as you can! You can’t catch me, I’m full of cayenne. I hope you come back next year. I hope you keep writing stories. Sincerely, Tanlon”

“Dear Ms. Dianne, Thank you for the two fun days. I enjoyed the cockroach story because you sneezed on us. Also, I liked dancing with the scarves. My favorite part was going in circles. We hope you come back next year. Love, Hallie P.S. You smell like vanilla ice cream.”

and one that truly tickled me…

“Dear Ms. Dianne, Thank you for the good times. I loved the cockroach story. I liked when you sneezed on people. Also, I enjoyed dancing with the scarves when we had to bring the scarves up. I hope you can come back next year. What do you take a bath with? I love you. Love, Dwayne”

A side note: Students in all of my classes have been commenting, “You smell so good, Ms. Dianne.” The students have told me that I smell like cotton candy, blueberries, vanilla, strawberries, ice cream, and vanilla ice cream! It’s so funny!

It’s nearly 2:30 am and I have a big day tomorrow — my third, fourth, and fifth graders perform! Yay! Lower grades and parents will be watching. I have been up late preparing treats for my students (autographed pictures and medals or friendship bracelets in pretty bags) and teachers. The students who perform without a script will receive a special treat from me. I hope I have to give out every treat bag! Wish my students luck!

Until next time… Happy Tales to You!

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

It was another happy day at school. The morning began with the school on “lock down.” Third, fourth and fifth grade classes were engaged in interval testing to prepare them for their big standardized testing next month. Fortunately, my first class was second grade. What a delightful group of students. They listened so intently to all my stories. Because the other adjacent classes were testing, I decided not to do the scarf music activity (too noisy). Instead, I treated the students to an extra story they had not heard before. I told “The Ghost of Jean Lafitte” and they loved it, huddling close together as the suspense in the story grew. I told them that they were the only class to hear that story and they were ecstatic.

It was my last rehearsal with one of my third grade classes. They were PHENOMENAL. Their teacher, an absolute gem, took extra time to rehearse with them so they all worked without their scripts! I was in seventh heaven. Unfortunately, I forgot the SD card for my camera and the pictures from my cell phone didn’t come out well. The class worked so quickly through their rehearsal that we had time for a fun activity so we did one of my story round games called “Pile It On the Pie A Mile High.” I adapted it to feature Louisiana foods and it was so much fun. The round can be found in my Story Collection under “Story Stretchers, Story Games and Story Puzzles.” Great job, third graders! Their teacher even treated me to some yummy Ghiradelli chocolate and I shared some of my favorite “chocolate” books with the class such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Chocolate Touch, Chocolate Fever and The Candy War.

One of my fourth grade classes used my story “The Emperor’s Dragon” from Handmade Tales when they did a unit on dragons. It was so cool to see the students’ dragons, inspired by my drawing and story!

I can’t believe my residency is winding down. Friday is my last day. It will be an exciting day because my third, fourth, and fifth graders are performing! I can’t wait. Working at this school has been a tremendous joy. I have fallen in love with the teachers, staff and students of this school. The teachers are so engaged with their students;  I can see that they still love teaching. I’ve been receiving wonderful feedback from the teachers on my visit so I hope I’ll be visiting again soon!

Until I write again… Laissez les bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll!

Warmly,  Dianne

Friends,

At the end of this week, on Friday, my 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students will perform their “Louisiana Story Fest.” Each grade will perform for each other as well as lower grades and parents. Each class is performing a Louisiana folktale that I have adapted into a story theater script just for that class.

I began the day with a fantastic 3rd grade class performing “Take Care of my Cabbage.” The students cooperated and collaborated to create a wonderful performance. The chorus was right on and my storytellers were expressive and worked without their scripts. This was their first full rehearsal! I beamed with pride. Here is the third grade chorus rehearsing “Take Care of my Cabbage.” They used the scarves to represent the cabbage.

There was abundant joy in my PK-3 class as we explored Zydeco and Cajun music with scarves. They were so cute!

My fourth grade class was challenging. They really pushed me to the limit and I had to issue a behavior report to one of the students. I was told that their regular teacher has been out for a couple of days so they were really wound up. In the end, we rehearsed through most of the story. I get to see them one more time before Friday so I hope they’ll be able to pull it together in time for the performance! There are so many talented children in this class; they just lack self-control and discipline. It makes me crazy to see such bright children not apply themselves!

After my restless fourth grade class, I peeked next door into another fourth grade class. They were quietly working on a an Easter project “I am ‘Eggcellent.’” Inside a large egg, they wrote down their excellent qualities. Some of the writings were really touching. One student wrote, “I am ‘eggcellent’ at reading to my sister and helping my mom wash the dishes. I like to help my mom.” Another  student wrote, “I am ‘eggcellent’ at dancing.” He even showed me some of his moves. Here is a picture of one of the students’ social studies projects. It is about life on the farm. “Eggcellent” work!

The second fourth grade class really brightened my day. We listened to some of my Jump, Jiggle & Jam CD and even danced the “Soulja Boy.” We had a blast.

As challenging as some children can be, I still wouldn’t trade what I do for the world. No matter how apathetic some students seem, I can see their hidden potential. Today, I caught a fourth grade boy who did not want to participate in the story theater activity smiling as he participated. Tough on the outside, still a child on the inside.

When I work with students, each day brings new challenges and new joys. This is why I do what I do… in the hopes that somehow my work will make a difference, even if it is not readily apparent.  A friend once told me that working with children is sacred work. It is - you never know when you will touch a child’s life forever…

Until next time…

Warmly,  Dianne

Friends:

It was quite warm today, in the 70s so the above bulletin was appropriate. I am back at the school, where I am the teaching artist-in-residence, doing a Louisiana Story Fest. Last week, I was off because the school had a big week being evaluated by a team from the State Department of Education. It was great to be back in the classroom with my students.

My day began with a fantastic third grade class, who is performing “Petit Pouce,” a Louisiana folktale about a boy who is rescued from a “BIG SCARY man” by his dogs (very similar to “Wiley and the Hairy Man”). The class worked as a team, collaborating and cooperating. It was such a great way to begin the day.

Here is a picture of me working with first graders. They are creating a “rainbow river” with their scarves.

My classes ended with a great group of fifth graders who rolled through their rehearsal of “Jean Sotte” (Foolish John). They will be performing on Friday for the kindergarten classes, parents, and the other 5th grade class. I love what the chorus did with their lines and the storytellers are showing so much promise (they just need to project their voices). I can’t wait to see them perform! Here are my 5th graders rehearsing…

At the end of the day, I stopped in the library to visit with the librarian. She had a second grade class. Much to my surprise and delight, they were acting out one of the stories in my Story Fest book, “Epaminondas.” It was adorable! This is a picture of Epaminondas’ mom leading him home on a “donkey.” It was such a pleasure to see these children acting out the story. I decided to surprise them with an impromptu performance of the way I tell “Epaminondas.” They loved it. I also told the Louisiana story of “Elephant and Snake.” The librarian thanked me for giving the kids “lagniappe,” Cajun French for a “little extra.”

Another great day!! Until next writing, Happy Tales to You!

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

Create a family story drama! Using a script, each person is assigned a role (or multiple roles). You can use a pre-made script such as “The Turtle Who Would Not Stop Talking” or other story theater scripts included in the “Story Collection” section of my website. Videotape your performance or better yet, perform it live in front of friends and family. It’s a fun way to get the whole family to tell tales together!

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

Today was another great day at school. Again, I had terrific classes that needed little correction, as a whole (there are always one or two in each class that need stronger discipline). Here is a picture of me telling stories to kindergarten-aged students. We had so much fun!

This is a picture of us “blowing trumpets” as we explored Dixieland Jazz music with scarves.

The highlight of my day was a fifth grade class who performed so well and created such a masterpiece that I would consider using their adaptation as a performance piece. That was how good it was! The boys and girls in the chorus didn’t want to sing and rap the chorus’ line together so they broke into separate groups and made their lines work with BOTH singing and rap! Amazing collaborative effort!

I won’t be at the school next week (they have the Louisiana State Department of Education visiting the school next week for an evaluation). So it will be a week before I can see the students again. I look forward to going back to the following week and seeing my students again.

TGIF!!! Have a great weekend!

Warmly, Dianne

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