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 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

6-10-09 Jasmynn & Eliana take a dip

Friends:

Before leaving St. Martin Parish to go to St. Mary Parish, Jasmynn, my 7 year old niece, and Eliana, my 8 year old daughter, had to take a dip in the Olympic size swimming pool at our hotel. They were like two little fish who did not want to be land-bound!

Today, I performed in St. Mary Parish at the Patterson Branch Library and the West End Branch Library in Baldwin. It was so cool because I had the distinction of being the first performer in the brand new library in Patterson. It is simply gorgeous!

6-11-09 Brand new library in Patterson, Louisiana. Wow!

St. Mary Parish is celebrating “Once Upon A Time” this summer so my program “Fairytale Fever” fit right in. The kids and I had a blast. After my show, they didn’t want to leave!

6-11-09 Dianne and friends performing "Princess Pat" in the children's section of the new Patterson Branch Library

Thank you to Leisha and all the staff of the Patterson Branch for making our visit so much fun!

After Patterson, we headed to Baldwin. The West End Branch Library in Baldwin wins the prize for “Most Glamorous” in the library beauty pageant. Every section of their library was decorated with a different theme. One corner was outfitted with cowboy duds, while another corner was jazzed up with Louisiana music decor. The crowning glory of the library was the jumpin’, jammin’ jungle (once known as the children’s section).  You can definitely tell that the Baldwin librarians are wild about their library!

6-11-09 Jasmynn & Eliana standing in front of the "Jungle" at the West End Branch Library in Baldwin, LA. Watch out for the swinging monkeys, girls!

The Teche Talk, a local cable TV station came and filmed the show. The children and I had so much fun.

6-11-09 Dianne and friends performing at the West End Branch Library in Baldwin, LA

It was a great day and we enjoyed every minute of it! Thank you to my new friends in St. Mary Parish. We look forward to our next visit!

Tomorrow – LaSalle Parish (Olla and Jena, Louisiana)! Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-9-09 Dianne in front of castle backdrop

Friends:

The first part of our week was spent in St. Martin Parish, performing at the St. Martinville Library on Tuesday and then the Breaux Bridge Library on Wednesday. Their summer reading theme this year is “Once Upon A Time.” Other Louisiana Libraries are doing “Be Creative @ the Library!”

6-9-09 Dianne performing at the St. Martinville Library

We had a fun, participatory crowd at the St. Martinville Library and had a great time!

6-9-09 St. Martinville Library Crowd

After our show, we ate at the famous Cafe Des Amis in Breaux Bridge. Talk about yum! I had paneed chicken but the clear winner on our lunch table was the white chocolate bread pudding.

My 7 year old niece, Jasmynn, is traveling with us this week. Here is a picture of Eliana and Jazzy at the restaurant. The cafe is decorated with gorgeous artwork by local artists all over the walls.

6-09-09 Jasmynn & Eliana @ Cafe Des Amis

Afterwards, the girls and I shopped on Main Street in Breaux Bridge. We went to a store called Monroe, where the girls fell in love with a Teddy Bear Pomeranian pooch named Kennedy.

6-9-09 Kennedy & Eliana at Monroe Boutique

Can you guess why the shop is named Monroe?

6-9-09 Marilyn Monroe 5 foot figure

We found another shop we fell in love with called La Te Boutique. Eliana HAD to have this apron. It says “Diva in Training.” Too cute!

6-9-09 Diva in Training Eliana!

After all that, we replaced all four tires and the windshield wipers on the car, went swimming in the hotel pool, and went out for dinner! It was a big, full day!

6-10-09 Books are Keys Monument

On Wednesday morning, I performed at the Breaux Bridge Library. The monument in front of the library reads:

Books are keys to wisdom’s treasure
Books are gates to lands of pleasure
Books are paths that upwards lead
Books are friends so let us read

I love that! It’s so true and goes perfectly with one of the stories I am telling called, “The King’s Advisor.”

6-10-09 Dianne & friends performing "The Princess Pat"

We had a big crowd at the Breaux Bridge Library and had so much fun with the kids there. I even had the privilege of taking a picture with two cool boys. Notice anything different about them? (No, they are not related to Marge Simpson or the smurfs. At least that’s what they told me.)

6-10-09 Dianne and the Blues Brothers LOL

After the show, we went back to downtown Breaux Bridge and had lunch at Angelle’s Burgers, where I ate the best onion rings I have ever had in my life. We had the most awesome waitress named Mali (pronounced MAY-lee). Mali is 9 years old and going into the 4th grade. She totally took care of us and was a phenomenal server. We luv u, Mali!

6-10-09 Eliana, Mali & Jasmynn @ Angelle's Burgers in Breaux Bridge

Now, we’re in St. Mary Parish at our next hotel. We’re about to hit the pool so later, gator!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-5-09 CASL Luncheon Cornbread Boy Centerpiece

Friends:

Today, I was the guest speaker at the CaddoAssociation of School Librarians End of the Year Luncheon. The librarians were a blast. We had so much fun singing, clapping, and laughing. There were even some tender moments.

I was so impressed with the room’s set-up. They centered the theme of the luncheon around my book, The Cajun Cornbread Boy. They made “Cornbread Boy” centerpieces (above) which consisted of a glass bowl, a wooden spoon, oven mit, cornbread mixes, and a bottle of cayenne pepper. Sooooo adorable!

In addition, they even made The Cajun Cornbread Boy placemats! Thank you so much, Judy and Jennifer. I LOVED the room. Y’all made me feel so special! You spiced up my day, for sure!

6-5-09 CASL Luncheon Cornbread Boy Placemat

I had fun meeting all the librarians and signed a bunch of books. Eliana and Camrynn were little ladies at the luncheon and were a great help, carrying supplies, cleaning up, and taking pictures. Thank you girls!

6-5-09 Signing Book at CASL Luncheon. The lady in white was my hostess, Jeannie Machowski. I love you, Jeannie!

A special thank you to Jeannie Machowski, who opened her home and heart to me. I am privileged to be called your friend! Hugs to her awesome family too – James, Abby and Adam. Y’all rock!

Thank you also to the spectacular librarians of Caddo Parish. I appreciate the work you do on a daily basis. Remember, books matter. Words matter. Children matter. YOU matter. So keep doing what you are doing – making a world of difference!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-4-09 Camrynn & Eliana having a blast!

Friends:

Eliana, my niece Camrynn, and I were in Shreveport today relaxing at my client’s house. The girls spent hours in the pool playing pool tennis, swimming underwater, and splashing around.

In addition to the pool, the girls have been enjoying themselves playing air hockey, basketball (pocket shot), Guitar Hero and Rock Band. My client has two children, Abby(14 years old) and Adam (7 years old). The girls love Abby and have fun competing with Adam.

I made belly faces on Abby and her friend Heather’s bellies. Of course, if helps if you have a flat belly. LOL And don’t laugh when the artist is drawing…

6-4-09 The Belly Faces (No teenage tummies were harmed in the making of this picture).

Later in the evening, I went to dinner with a wonderful group of librarians from the Caddo Association of School Librarians (CASL). Cantina Laredo is a fabulous restaurant with comida deliciosa! Yum!

6-4-09 Dinner with CASL Librarians

Thank you, Jeannie, for opening your home to the girls and me. We have truly enjoyed our stay! I love being in the upstairs “suite” and your children are darling. Best accommodations I have had in a while! I can’t wait to come back.

Tomorrow, I am doing a presentation for the Caddo Association of School Librarians. It’s going to be fun!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-3-09 - Taking a pictute with my new friend, Jase

Dear Friends:

I had a great time in Catahoula Parish Libraries. The children were so much fun and of course, I love my librarians there!

Our first show was in Harrisonburg. We had a very nice crowd. There was even a sign interpreter interpreting my stories for a young man who enjoyed the show.

Afterward, Eliana, Camrynn & I went to lunch with some of the librarians to a restaurant called Jackie’s. Thank you, Ms. Lou for a wonderful time. We sure are going to miss you!!!

Our afternoon show was in Jonesville. I love seeing fans who come year after year to see my shows. I appreciate you!

6-3-09 Jonesville Library Crowd

We had a marvelous time in Catahoula Parish. Thank you so much, Jackie, for bringing us to your libraries. We sure love you!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Dianne, Camrynn & Eliana in front of Mammy's Cupboard Restaurant in Natchez, MS

Friends:

This week began my summer reading tour in the libraries across Louisiana. This is my 13th year promoting summer reading and I love it. I love seeing my old friends (Hi Ms. Lou, Jackie & Ms. Jean) and making new friends!

This year, Eliana, my 8-going-on-9 year old daughter (June 15), is traveling with me. It’s her fourth year on the road! In addition, we will be bringing along some special guests. This week, my 10 year old niece, Camrynn, is traveling with us.

On our way to Catahoula Parish (Jonesville, Harrisonburg & Sicily Island, Louisiana), we stopped to take a really cool picture (above). Mammy’s Cupboard is actually a restaurant in Natchez, Mississippi. It is only open from 11am to 2pm so we missed eating there. Eliana and I have eaten there before and the food is delicious. Their specialty cobblers and pies are to drool for!!

Our first summer reading program was in Sicily Island. I am performing “Fairytale Fever” this summer. I had a blast with the children – we had such a nice crowd. They giggled, laughed and had a grand time.

6-2-09 Sicily Island Library - Dianne, Camrynn and friends performing "How Funky Is Your Chicken"

The next picture is of Ms. Jean with Ella, a beautiful baby who always has her mouth full (and our hands full!).

6-2-09 Ella, Books are for reading, not for eating! Yes, she's munching on The Cajun Cornbread Boy. He must be tasty!

Eliana and Camrynn did such a great job helping me set up and break down. In fact, they did all the break down by themselves! What teamwork! So they were rewarded with fun in the sun at the hotel pool.

6-2-09 Mermaids Camrynn & Eliana posing at the pool!

It was a fun day. We look forward to tomorrow – Harrisonburg & Jonesville, here we come!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Dianne de Las Casas on the marquis at Playville in Covington, LA 3-21-09

Friends:

I have been busy working on a new book but last weekend, I had a couple of awesome book signings for The Cajun Cornbread Boy. My first book signing was at Playville, a phenomenal toy store in Covington, Louisiana.

Marita Gentry, the incredible illustrator of The Cajun Cornbread Boy, was with me. Marita and I are a great team. I tell the story as Marita illustrates the story live. It’s such a fun combination. Our audiences love it.

Marita draws the gator as Dianne animates the story at Playville, Covington, LA 3-21-09

Afterwards, we signed books for our fans and friends. I love being able to share a piece of Louisiana culture with children through this spiced-up tale!

Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry sign books at Playville, Covington, LA 3-21-09

Here I am with my sweet little girl, Eliana! Mommy loves you, rock star!

Dianne de Las Casas with 8 year old daughter, Eliana at Playville 3-21-09

After Playville, Marita and I had a book signing later that evening at Barnes & Noble in Harvey, Louisiana.

Barnes & Noble, Harvey, LA advertises the book event! Thanks, Jane! 3-21-09

Again, I told the story as Marita illustrated. We had a big and fun crowd.

Dianne & Marita, The Cajun Cornbread Boy team! at Barnes & Noble, Harvey, LA 3-21-09

Following our story time, we went to the front of the store to sign books. It was wonderful to have such a fantastic turnout.

Fans gather around the book signing table at Barnes & Noble, Harvey, LA 3-21-09

Marita and I are very blessed to be able to share what we love with children – a well-told story with beautiful art in the form of a picture book!

Dianne with longtime fans and friends, Margaret Rose & Julie 3-21-09

We had a great time sharing our book with everyone. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make it happen – Scott Campbell at Pelican Publishing, Stephanie Dupuy at Playville, and Jane French at Barnes & Noble. Marita and I so appreciate y’all! And thank you to all of our fans, friends, and family who came to support us. We couldn’t do it without you! We look forward to our next book signing at Cherry Books in Thibodaux on Saturday, March 28, 2009 from 1pm – 3pm!!

Happy Tales to You!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne