7-9-09 The audience at Moss Point

Friends:

What a tour I have had in the Jackson-George libraries in Mississippi! The library staff was wonderful and the audiences were an absolute delight. Eliana and I started our day in Moss Point, Mississippi, a sleepy little town just a few miles from Pascagoula. The audience was so receptive and fun-loving!

7-9-09 The Princess Pat at Moss Point

We had a wonderful time with Jennifer, the children’s librarian, and the fabulous volunteers, Shelby and Megan. What sweet girls! Eliana loved the girls and didn’t want to leave the library! Jennifer, thank you for your hospitality!

7-9-09 Eliana with (L-R) Megan, Shelby, and Jennifer (the Moss Point Children's Librarian)

After Moss Point, we headed to Pascagoula for our final show in Mississippi and our final show of the summer. We ate lunch in historic downtown Pascagoula at a casual restaurant called The Cabana. Both Eliana and I had the Mojo pulled pork sandwich. Yum!

7-9-09 Lunch at The Cabana in Pascagoula

For our last show, we had over 100 people in attendance. The Pascagoula audience sang, clapped, and roared with laughter. The children were so sweet.

7-9-09 Performing in Pascagoula

Afterwards, there was a huge line for autographs. I had sold out of The Cajun Cornbread Boy books earlier in the week but the kids wanted me to sign the origami books I gave to every audience member.

7-9-09 Dianne with fans in Pascagoula

Thank you, Mary Ann Louviere, for making our visit to the Mississippi Gulf Coast such a fantastic one! Eliana and I enjoyed every minute of it! You are an absolutely amazing woman! We hope to come back to the Jackson-George libraries soon!

7-9-09 Dianne, Mary Anne Louviere & Eliana

Summer Reading is officially over for me. I fly to Chicago on Friday, July 10, 2009 to sign books at the American Library Association Conference. It will be a fun weekend – I am sure!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

7-8-09 The crowd at St. Martin Library

Friends:

Today, Eliana and I were in St. Martin and Gautier, Mississippi. Our first show at St. Martin was for a very large crowd of about 125 people. I even had fans from yesterday’s shows come again because they loved it so much. So I told a short little string story just for them. The audience was eager and full of energy. I really loved telling stories to this group!

7-8-09 Princesses doing "The Princess Pat"

In between shows, Eliana and I had lunch with our friend, Brent and his son, Devin. We ate at New Orleans Style Po-Boys but ended up eating delicious Vietnamese cuisine instead of po-boys. Thanks for lunch, Brent!

Our afternoon show was in Gautier, Mississippi. The audience was smaller than our morning show but nevertheless enthusiastic. They loved receiving the 6 page books that accompany my story, “The King’s Advisor.”

7-8-09 Dianne telling the story of "The King's Advisor"

I had a long line of children who requested my autographs on those little books. Eliana signed autographs too, which totally excited her. Eliana, you are a little star!

After our show, I had to pick up a new wireless headset Shure microphone (mine had broken earlier in the week) from the Mississippi Music Store. They were so nice and provided incredible customer service! Thanks Donnie & Chris! It will be so nice to be hands-free again!

Then it was time to head back to our hotel, The Imperial Palace in Biloxi. I promised Eliana we would swim. Yesterday, the pool was closed because of weather. The day before, the rain made the rooftop pool too cool for swimming in the late afternoon. Fortunately, Mother Nature cooperated and it was perfect weather for a late afternoon swim. The pool is massive, with a jumbo TV screen at one end!

7-8-09 The massive rooftop pool at the Imperial Palace

Eliana had a wonderful time. She is really becoming quite the little swimmer!

7-8-09 Eliana lays on a leaf lounge at the pool

It was the perfect end for a perfect day. Tomorrow is our last day in Mississippi. While it will be nice to return home, we have had such a wonderful time in the Magnolia State.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

7-7-09 Performance at Ocean Springs Library

Friends:

It was another fabulous day in Mississippi! Eliana and I had our first show in the lovely town of Ocean Springs. The staff was so nice – thank you Allison, for your hospitality and thank you, Elliott, for your muscle! The kids and I had so much fun!

Our next show was in Vancleave. I love the patrons at that library! The kids were so participatory and we had a blast.

7-7-09 Getting silly at the Vancleave Library

I met some fabulous people like Tonya Ross, Susan Collier and her daughter, Samantha Hanson, who totally brightened my day. You are awesome!

7-7-09 Susan Collier, Samantha Hanson, Dianne & Eliana

Later, Eliana and I had dinner with some of the Jackson-George librarians – Mary Ann Louviere – the youth services coordinator, Alison from Ocean Springs Library, Micki from East Central Library, and Micki’s husband Mike. We ate at Mediterraneo in downtown Ocean Springs. The food was absolutely divine. Eliana and I had tapas – fried artichoke hearts, seared tuna with a ginger miso sauce, spanokopita, dolmades and stuffed piquillo peppers. Wow!

7-7-09 Allison, Mary Ann, Micki, Mike, Dianne & Eliana at Mediterraneo in Ocean Springs

I am sure the rest of the week will be just as wonderful!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

7-6-09 Dianne performing with kids from the audience at the Lucedale Library

Friends:

Today, Eliana and I began our tour in the Jackson-George Regional Libraries in Mississippi. We met Mary Ann Louviere, our gracious hostess and the children’s services coordinator for the region at a park and ride off I-10 and followed her to our first library in Lucedale. The audience was so much fun! We had a big crowd of enthusiastic children. After going through two microphones, the third one was a charm. Even when your microphones go out in the middle of the show, the show must go on, and it did!

Afterwards, the kids lined up for autographs and book signings. Here I am, signing a gigantic poster that the library designed and gave away as a prize. It was designed by Rex Bridges, the library system’s PR coordinator. Thank you for making me look so good, Rex!

7-6-09 Signing a giant poster for a fan

One little boy told me that I was “prettier in person” while another boy told me I was “prettier than a rose.” How sweet is that? Here I am with those little “Romeos!” Thank you, boys! I <3 U!

7-6-09 Dianne with her Lucedale "boyfans." LOL

After lunch with Mary Ann at Pockets Diner (a restaurant and pool hall with the best burgers), we headed to East Central Library. The crowd was smaller but nonetheless enthusiastic and fun.

7-6-09 Going low with "How loose is your goose?"

They loved The Cajun Cornbread Boy! Between the two shows, I am nearly sold out of books! I have five left for the rest of the week!

7-6-09 Dianne showing The Cajun Cornbread Boy to audience at East C

Afterwards, we stayed for some fun. Eliana joined the teens for an end-of-summer karaoke party. She sang and even joined the group in a rendition of High School Musical’s “We’re All In This Together!”

Eliana sings with teens at end of summer karaoke party at East Central

Special thanks to Cindy and Micki for your gracious hospitality! Thank you, Mary Ann, for inviting me to the Jackson-George Regional Libraries. We are loving our visit and look forward to the rest of our week on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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

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

6-18-09 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.”