1-20-10 A teacher works with students to depict a Mardi Gras scene with masked revelers

Friends:

Today, I visited Quitman Upper Elementary. It was such a fun day! I did three Story Fest story theater workshops and a professional development workshop for the teachers at the end of the day.

1-20-10 4th & 5th grade portraying a mechanic fixing his car

My first and second assemblies consisted of 4th and 5th graders. I spoke to them about my method of story theater and explained that we would be doing role playing exercises to warm up. They did such an incredible job with their individual, partner and group exercises.

1-20-10 Monkeys climb a tree while hungry lions wait at the bottom

When I asked the students questions about what they learned from the Story Fest activity, a 4th grade girl named Jaden, responded, “You are never too old or too young to use your imagination.” I couldn’t have said it better myself, Jaden!

1-20-10 4th & 5th grade students portraying a king on a Mardi Gras float with parade revelers

With the third grade, I performed Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach in an assembly program. It was one of the most lively, interactive performances I have ever had of this story. When the roaches danced, the students not only sang, but added additional beats, creating an awesome hip hop rhythm for the story. It was incredible!

1-20-10 Dianne sneaks up on an unsuspecting teacher during Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach

After the story, I moved the 3rd grade group out to the gym floor and performed story theater exercises with them. It was well received. They had a blast!

1-20-10 A 3rd grade teacher works with a student portraying a mechanic fixing his car

My day ended with a professional development workshop with the teachers. Though most of them had seen Story Fest in action with their students, I gave them different roles to act out.

Then they rehearsed and performed a story theater piece: “The City Mouse and the Country Mouse. It was so cute and full of animated storytellers, a rhythmic chorus, scarves, and rhythm instruments.

1-20-10 Teachers perform story theater - The City Mouse and the Country Mouse

Quitman Upper Elementary loves integrating the arts. Just look at this gorgeous mural in the front office!

1-20-10 Quitman Upper Elementary front office mural - Wow!

I really enjoyed visiting the school. They had wonderful teachers, students and staff. Thank you to Tara Tucker, Amy Johnson, and Mr. Kelly for making my day superb! I loved my Mississippi school visits!

1-20-10 A MAC art project - The Mississippi State Seal made with natural materials

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

1-19-10 Performing for Quitman Lower Elementary 1st & 2nd grades

Friends:

Today I had the privilege of doing a school visit and a professional development workshop for Quitman Lower Elementary in Quitman, MS.

Angie Ledbetter, the Assistant Principal, was my contact person. My GPS misguided me to the wrong side of town and I called Angie on her cell phone in a panic. She was sweet and guided me in and greeted me upon my arrival. She told me that Carol Satterfield, a teacher and big “Fan of Dianne,” drove all the way from North Mississippi to see me and was spending the day at the school. How cool is that?!

Right before my first show, the Principal, Mr. Bounds, greeted me, welcomed me to the school, and introduced me to the students. I performed 2 shows. The first show was for pre-K and K. The second was for 1st and 2nd grades. It was so much fun and the students had a blast!

After my second show, Angie and another teacher, Tootsie, took me to lunch. We ate at a local restaurant, Skidmore’s Old Tyme Butcher Shop and Grill. They served delicious hot plates. I had fried chicken, cornbread, mac and cheese, green beans and peach cobbler. Talk about a Southern cooked meal!

1-19-10 Skidmore's Ole Tyme Butcher Shop and Grill in Quitman, MS

Lunch was so much fun. We laughed and laughed. Everyone that walked in the door could have been a book character! When we were finished eating, Tootsie said, “Now we have to clean our table and scrape off our plates.” It was like a flashback to junior high. So I took my dishes to the slop bucket and scraped off my plate. There was a big sign above the table where the bin for the dirty dishes was. It said, “Please do not throw your metal forks into the trash.”

Then Tootsie told me to read the fine print. Underneath that it said, “Throw away your spit cup please.” I’m not making this up! Better be careful… The white styrofoam cup you think is your drink might actually be someone’s spit cup! Eeeew. Of course, I HAD to take a picture!

1-19-10 Throw away your spit cup sign in Ole Tyme Butcher Shop restaurant in Quitman, MS

After lunch, we went back to school and I took a tour down the halls. The schools is one that really works to integrate the arts and the walls show it! There was art everywhere!

1-19-10 Students study Pointillism at Quitman Lower Elementary

A “Learning is Fun” attitude permeates the school’s atmosphere, from the administration to the staff to students. Quitman Lower Elementary’s teachers are enthusiastic and committed to their classrooms.

1-19-10 Learning is Fun mural in Quitman Lower Elementary

In the afternoon, the teachers came into the multipurpose room for my Story Fest workshop. It was so much fun sharing my signature story theater techniques with them. They were such great participants!

1-19-10 Teachers in Story Fest Workshop portraying a monkey swinging in the trees

They really embraced the story theater warm-up exercises, including Mr. Bounds, the school’s principal!

1-19-10 Mr. Bounds, Quitman Lower Elementary Principal, plays an old woman

I enjoyed their energy and willingness to step out of their comfort zones.

1-19-10 A lion and lioness coming out of a cave

When we were finished with the warm-up exercises, I divided the group in half and they created their own story theater. One group performed “The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking.”

The other group performed my brand new story theater script, adapted from my new book, Mama’s Bayou.

1-19-10 Teachers performing Mama's Bayou Story Theater

Afterwards, I signed tons of books and gave all the teachers reading posters. Every student received bookmarks. I really enjoyed my day at Quitman Lower Elementary. Thank you so much, Angie Ledbetter, for inviting me to Quitman. I love you and your school!

Tomorrow, I spend the day at Quitman Upper Elementary. Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

11-5-09 At the Libraries Unlimited booth

Friends:

On Tuesday, November 3, 2009, I went to see the Michael Jackson movie, This Is It, and fell down the dark movie theater stairwell, spraining my left ankle. I didn’t even get to see the movie! I was taken to the hospital in an ambulance.

11-5-09 Charlotte from inside the cab

Two days later, I had to travel to Charlotte, North Carolina for the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) conference for a book signing at ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited and to present my Story Fest story theater workshop on Saturday, November 7.

It wasn’t easy but I did it! Fortunately, airports and airlines are so accommodating to people with injuries or disabilities. I received nothing but kindness and assistance my entire trip. A special thank you to these librarians: Bridget Kratt from Nebraska for her help from the airport to the Hilton hotel and throughout the conference; Nancy Dickinson, Allison Roberts & Diane Chen from Tennessee for all their help wheeling me to and fro and bringing me to the closing party; and Lisa Upper from North Carolina for helping me throughout my Story Fest Session. You gals totally ROCK!

The Hilton Hotel was so accommodating and everyone there treated me like royalty! Edward Walter, the manager when I checked in, helped me to my room and even prepared an ice bag for my foot! Throughout my stay, I was met with nothing but kindness and compassion and a fresh bag of ice each day from Mirjana, the 6th floor housekeeper. What superb service!

11-6-09 Dianne de Las Casas & Edward Walter, Hilton Manager

After my book signing on Friday, I went to dinner at McCormick & Schmick’s with my team from Libraries Unlimited: Sally, Kristina, and Debby Laboon, the author services manager.

11-6-09 Dinner with Sally, Kristina & Debby from Libraries Unlimited

I love this picture of Debby Laboon!

11-5-09 Is that a lobster crawling up Debby's shirt?

On Saturday, I had my workshop at the convention center. Bridget Kratt wheeled me there and Nancy Dickinson helped me set up. I presented “Story Fest: Reading Comprehension through Revved-Up Story Theater.”

11-7-09 Participants depicting Baby Bear sitting in a chair

It was wonderful to see the librarians loosen their inhibitions and really get into the story theater mode, warming up with individual, partner and group role playing activities.

11-7-09 So this is what librarians do at AASL

The workshop culminated in two performances. One half of the room performed “The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking” while the other half of the room performed “The Frog and the Ox.” Each group was able to enjoy the other group’s performance.

Lisa Upper from Caldwell Academy in Greensboro, North Carolina was my “official” photographer and volunteer room attendant. Thank you, Lisa, for all your help! I ended with the story, “The Viper,” from my newest book, Scared Silly: 25 Tales to Tickle and Thrill, and I raffled away nearly ALL my books to the librarians, which they LOVED.

On Saturday night, my friends, Nancy Dickinson, Allison Roberts, and Diane Chen, picked me up and helped me get to the Imaginon for the AASL 2009 closing party. What a party it was!! I had a FABULOUS time, dancing in and on my wheelchair! No stopping this diva! LOL

11-7-09 Leopard Diva on crutches

It was a successful conference and I enjoyed being with old friends and making new friends. I hope to be a part of AASL 2011 in Minneapolis, next time on TWO FEET!

11-8-09 Dianne and a school librarian on departure date

Thank you to everyone who lent a helping hand and thank you to all the school librarians who attended my session on Saturday!! Keep it REVVED-UP!!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

10-30-09 Sr. Puentes' Kindergarten class acts out the role of a woman walking her dog

Friends:

My last day at Dawes was a wonderful one. I had three classes and then I was invited to attend a Halloween party by Lilly (my friend, Juliet Bond’s daughter) and her third grade teacher, Ms. Brennan. My first classroom visit was Sr. Puentes’ Kindergarten TWI (Two Way Immersion) class. They are always such a fun and cooperative group. They followed every instruction to a tee. What cuties too!

10-30-09 Sr. Puentes' Kindergarten class acts out the role of a woman walking her dog

Plus, Sr. Puentes and his assistant are so sweet! I loved visiting this class!

Next, it was on to Ms. Sovich’s 2nd grade classroom. The kids were so excited to see me, giving me hugs and sitting on the run in anticipation of the class’ upcoming activities. I told the story of “Sody Sallyraytus,” taught them Zydeco dancing, and did some role playing drama activities with them. They were great dancers and Ms. Sovich even videotaped the students doing the two step! Too cool!

10-30-09 Ms. Sovich's 2nd grade class dances Zydeco

They moved quickly into doing their roles, acting out all the parts with enthusiasm, even in partnered pairs. What a great class!

10-30-09 Ms. Sovich's 2nd grade class acting out baby bear sitting on a chair

Check out Ms. Swanson, the second grade TWI teacher. She’s a honey of a teacher!

10-30-09 First Grade Teacher Ms. Swanson is all the buzz!

My last class was Ms. Weatherby and Ms. Gibert’s Kindergarten class. These two teachers are so wonderful. They welcomed me into their classroom with open arms and always offered me treats! So I made up a rap for them:

Here’s a little story for you and me
About Ms. Weatherby and Ms. G
These 2 teachers are so cool
2 of the coolest in the school
Ms. Weatherby and Ms. G (uh)
Ms. Weatherby and Ms. G (uh uh!)
WORD!

10-30-09 Ms. Weatherby & Ms. Gibert's Kindergarteners dance Zydeco

These kindergarteners did such a great job with their role playing! Check this out! Soo adorable!

10-30-09 Ms. Weatherby & Ms. Gibert's Kindergarteners act out Little Red Riding Hood and her cape

My teaching came to an end but the fun didn’t! I went to Ms. Brennan’s third grade classroom and had fun at their Halloween party!

10-30-09 Third Grade Teacher Ms. Brennan is a beautiful butterfly

We danced the Monster Mash, ate lots of tricky treats (there were apple strudels stuffed with worms! [gummy of course]), and had a ton of fun. Look at these marvelous monsters!

10-30-09 Dianne, Zombie Lilly & Scary Guy at Ms. Brennan's 3rd grade class Halloween party

Before I left Dawes, I encountered this mystery rock star… Who is it?!!!

10-30-09 Who is this Guitar Hero rockin the halls of Dawes?!!

Thank you for having me at your school, Dawes! You were awesome! A special thank you to Juliet Bond (the Dawes PTA coordinator of this residency), Ms. Jicha (school librarian), Ms. Bradley (principal), Ms. Johnson (school secretary), and all the teachers and staff at Dawes who made my visit so pleasant and memorable. Also, a huge thank you to the Dawes PTA for funding my visit!! I’d love to come back! And thank you to all the Dawes Kindergarten, First, and Second grade students. Dawes Elementary ROCKS!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

10-29-09 Dianne de Las Casas & Sue Jicha, Dawes Librarian

Friends:

My day began with an assembly program for Grades 3-5. I did my spooky program, “Scared Silly,” since Halloween was just around the corner. The students loved it. My “Ghost of Mable Gable” was ever popular and the students were chanting the punch line all day long. Cool!

After my assembly, I went to Ms. Whisler’s 2nd grade TWI (Two Way Immersion) class. They listened to a story (”Sody Sallyraytus”), learned Zydeco, and did role playing exercises. Though the boys were a little reluctant, we still had fun.

10-29-09 Dancing Zydeco in Ms. Whisler's 2nd grade class

Ms. Whisler’s class loved the role playing drama activity. They were really good at portraying the various roles I gave them.

10-29-09 Acting as tables in Ms. Whisler's 2nd grade class

After Ms. Whisler’s class, I saw Ms. Shleker’s second graders. They were such a kind, cooperative group that exhibited exemplary teamwork and partnering skills. I even gave them a little treat and taught them Hula!

10-29-09 Telling a story in Ms. Schleker's 2nd grade class

Afterwards, the class treated me to a choral reading of two fun poems including “Igga Bigga,” which I love! What a fantastic class!

10-29-09 Ms. Schleker's 2nd graders are elephants

I met a phenomenal pumpkin carving artist, David Rotter, a Dawes parent and school helper. He brought Ms. Johnson, the super school secretary, a cool carved pumpkin! Wow!

10-29-09 David Rotter, a Dawes parent and visual artist, poses with his amazing carved pumpkin. He's a handsome fella, isn't he?! LOL

My day ended with an assembly program for grades K through 2. Again, I did my “Scared Silly” show and the students loved it. They even helped me on stage a couple of times! It was a blast!

Later that night, I had a performance and book signing at the Dawes Book Fair at Barnes & Noble.

10-30-09 Barnes & Noble performance small

The event was packed and I enjoyed myself immensely! It looked like the kids did too!

10-30-09 Madame Poulet Eats Roaches

After my performance, I signed lots of books. Thank you Dawes School for supporting the book fair night! And thank you to Juliet Bond for providing the photos from the Barnes & Noble event in Evanston!

10-30-09 Signing at Barnes & Noble

Until next time….

Warmly, Dianne

10-27-09 Mr. Puentes' Kindergarten TWI Class

Friends:

Today was my second day at Dawes School for my K-2 arts residency. My first class was Mr. Puentes’ Kindergarten TWI (Two Way Immersion) class. I told the story The Cajun Cornbread Boy and then we did creative movement to jazz music with scarves. The students, teachers, and I had such a wonderful time together. Muchas gracias, Sr. Puentes, para todo!

Next, I visited Ms. Hamilton’s 1st graders for the second time. I told the story of Sody Sallyraytus and then we danced two-step to Zydeco music. Afterwards, the students did amazing individual partner role playing work.

10-27-09 Ms. Hamilton's 1st graders dance Zydeco

Next, it was on to Ms. Whisler’s 2nd grade TWI class. We had a great time with the storytelling and they loved second lining around the room to jazz.

10-27-09 Ms. Whisler's 2nd grade TWI class second-lines

After lunch, I visited Ms. Alvarez’s class. The loved the storytelling and had a ton of fun! Even Ms. Alvarez joined in!

10-27-09 Ms. Alvarez's 2nd grade class

My last class of the day was in the library with Ms. Wilcinski’s Kindergarten class. The children listened to a new story, Sody Sallyraytus, and had fun participating.

10-27-09 Ms. Wilcinski's Kindergarten class listens to Sody Sallyraytus

After the story, I did some role playing scarf exercises with them. Ms. Jicha, the school librarian, joined in, playing a monkey! So cute!

10-27-09 Ms. Jicha the Librarian role plays a monkey with Ms. Wilcinski's Kindergarten class

Again, it was a great day at Dawes! After school, my friends, Sadarri and Amber Saskill came in from Wisconsin and took me to dinner. We ate at Barcelona Tapas restaurant. The food was fabulous but the friendship and laughter was even better! I can’t believe I forgot to take a picture of the three of us! Amber took a picture of me in my diva leopard boots! These boots are made for rockin! Rargh!

10-27-09 The diva leopard boots at Barcelona Tapas Evanston

Too bad one of the heels broke and it was my first time wearing the shoes! Ugh. Fortunately, the restaurant came to my rescue and Duck taped the heel together temporarily so I could walk. It was black Duck tape! LOL

Fabulous day!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

10-26-09 Welcome to Dawes

Friends:

Today was my first day at Dawes School in Evanston, Illinois, where I am the storytelling/author in residence for grades K through 2. The visit was arranged by my good friend and Dawes parent, Juliet Bond, and the Dawes Librarian, Sue Jicha. Sue was such a sweetheart, facilitating my visit and making sure everything ran smoothly. Ms. Bradley, the principal, greeted me first thing in the morning, making me feel welcome at Dawes.

10-26-09 Dianne in the Dawes Library

My first class was Ms. Wilcinski’s kindergarten class. They were a sweet group of children and I had fun telling The Cajun Cornbread Boy and doing creative movement with scarves and jazz music.

10-26-09 Ms. Wilcinski's Kindergarten

Next, I went to Ms. Hamilton’s 1st grade classroom. They were sitting quietly and ready for me to start when I came in. We had a blast and the students really enjoyed the activity.

10-26-09 Ms. Hamilton's 1st grade

Then it was off to Ms. Shleker’s 2nd grade class. This group of energetic children were so participatory in my story and had a great time with the scarf activity. I found out that Ms. Shleker was involved in theater and she loved my jazz music. We had such a fun time!

10-26-09 Ms. Schleker's 2nd grade

After lunch, I visited Ms. Sovich’s 2nd grade class. Ms. Sovich is a singer and knew all the songs I played on the Jazz for Kids CD. I was so impressed. The students had a great time with the story as well as the music activity.

10-26-09 Ms. Sovich's 2nd grade

My last class was with Ms. Swanson’s 1st grade TWI (Two Way Immersion) class. the students are immersed in a Spanish language curriculum. I had the opportunity to speak some Spanish and the children were so much fun.

10-26-09 Telling a story in Ms. Swanson's TWI 1st grade

It was a wonderful first day. The teachers were so warm and welcoming and the students were very well-behaved and enthusiastic. I am totally looking forward to tomorrow!

10-26-09 Turtle Art at Dawes School

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

7-24-09 Dianne, Antonio, Eliana & Soleil with Tulum Mayan Dancers in Mexico

Friends:

It was supposed to be an idyllic family vacation in Cancun, Mexico. Turquoise waters. Sugar sands. Mayan Ruins. Fun in the Caribbean sun. And it was. Until we got home.

7-25-09 Soleil and Eliana being goofy in the hotel room on our last night in Cancun

Our family (my husband, our 19 year old daughter, Soleil, our 9 year old daughter, Eliana, and I) vacationed in Cancun, Mexico from July 20-26, 2009 at Dreams Resort & Spa. On the last day we were there, Soleil didn’t feel well and stayed in bed while we went to Mercado 28 downtown and took a last dip at the beach. Before we left, Soleil asked if she could see the resort’s doctor but there was no time. We had a flight to catch.

7-26-09 Last day in Cancun, view from Dreams Spa & Resort hotel room balcony

We arrived home late Sunday night, July 26. Soleil went to work late on Monday. By Monday evening, she was complaining of a sore throat and asking for tea. She went to work on Tuesday but later that night, she began coughing and sneezing. She felt so bad that she decided not to go to work on Wednesday. By this time, her nose was dripping and we thought she had a really bad cold. She took over the counter medication, which provided little relief.

On Thursday morning (July 30), she barely had any voice. When I looked at her, she was flush. I touched her skin and she was burning up. When I took her temperature, she was running 102.5 F fever. She didn’t want to eat the soup I made for her and complained of achiness and chills. I was alarmed but I didn’t want to jump to conclusions. Still, my mind wandered… “We did just return from Mexico. She has all the flu symptoms.” I called the doctor’s office and talked to a nurse who advised me to bring her in right away.

So, of course, I did. While waiting for the doctor, she had uncontrollable chills and was still burning up. She wanted nothing more than to lie down. After a long wait at the “Urgent Care,” they finally called her name.

The doctor swabbed her nostrils and said she tested positive for Influenza A – H1N1, commonly referred to as the “swine flu.” Concerned about pneumonia, he took chest x-rays, which fortunately showed no signs of pneumonia. The doctor prescribed her Tamiflu, Ibuprofen 600 for the headache and aches, and Robitussin with codeine for her cough and mucus build-up. We were also given a “Swine Influenza” information sheet.

7-30-09 Soleil's Influenza A - H1N1 medications

After filling her prescriptions at our Neighborhood Wal-Mart, we went home where she promptly crawled into bed. Unfortunately, Soleil has to be quarantined. If she comes into the common areas of the house, she has to wear a mask. I am supposed to wear a mask when I enter her room. Because she is quarantined, I have to wait on her hand and foot. This, I don’t mind. I am her mother. That’s what mothers do… We take care of our children and we pray for their speedy recovery.

We had to send our 9 year old daughter, Eliana, away to stay with my mom. She is young and we wanted to minimize her exposure to the illness. This, I mind. She’s starting school soon and I am sad that I don’t get to spend as much time with her.

The swine flu is a costly illness. Soleil is missing a lot of work. Since she is a student worker, she does not get paid for the days she does not work. She has no “sick leave.” The doctor visit included the H1N1 swab, x-rays, and medication administered on-site. That will no doubt cost a pretty penny. Tamiflu is not cheap either. Fortunately, we have health insurance but all these costs add up and we pay for it, one way or another.

The good news is that Soleil seems to be responding well to the medications. Earlier today, she was listless and exhausted. This evening, she was sitting up in bed, asking for orange juice. She has been drinking a ton of water so dehydration shouldn’t be an issue.

When we booked our vacation, our resort promised a “swine-flu free guarantee” or they would give guests three free vacations. It is even advertised on the hotel’s Facebook page. As soon as we arrived home from the doctor, I wrote a letter, attached a photo of Soleil’s prescriptions, and emailed it to their customer service department. It will be interesting to see how they respond in the face of a claim. I will let you know how all this works out… Of course, I wouldn’t trade three free vacations for my daughter’s health any day. Her well-being is tantamount. But I do hope the hotel follows through with their guarantee as a show of good faith. One of the reasons we chose that hotel was because of that guarantee. We postponed our family vacation from May because of the swine flu epidemic and U.S. travel advisories.

Thank you to everyone who sent their well-wishes. Soleil is strong and is already conquering this swine flu. It too will become yet another story in our lives…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

7-26-09 Last day in Cancun, morning view from balcony

Friends:

Sunday was our last day in Cancun. Soleil wasn’t feeling well so she stayed in bed while Antonio, Eliana and I headed to Mercado 28. The locals told us not to visit Coral Negro, a flea market within walking distance from the hotel because it had high prices because of its location in the hotel zone (Zona Hotelera).

7-26-09 Open air market - Mercado 28

Mercado 28 is a market located in the heart of downtown and has souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and art offered at better prices because the locals shop there.

7-26-09 Jewelry at Mercado 28 at the Esmeralda Store

Antonio and I shopped for silver jewelry. While I wouldn’t say it was a steal, the prices were better than you can find in the United States. Antonio got a thick silver cross pendant on a masculine silver chain. The shop, Esmeralda, had a great shopkeeper and we haggled prices with him. Here, he holds a sculpture I covet (next time?!!). It is a Mayan warrior made of obsidian, silver, abalone and mother of pearl.

7-26-09 Shopkeeper of Esmeralda store with Mayan warrior sculpture

Antonio bought me an anniversary gift (August 7), an abalone and silver jewelry set with a pendant, chain, earrings & ring. The necklace is stunning – the Mexican sun with a silver crescent moon inside, overlapping a sea of abalone.

7-26-09 Dianne's Silver & Abalone jewelry

It has special meaning for me too. My name “Dianne” is derivative of “Diana,” the Roman goddess of the moon. “Soleil” means “Sun” in French and Eliana’s middle name is “Marisol,” which means “sunny seas.” So now I have a necklace that symbolizes all of us – the sun, the moon, and the seas. The ring is also gorgeous – so different! It reminds me of a peacock and I love how the abalone has all the colors of the Caribbean sea. Thank you, Antonio!

7-26-09 Mexican tapestry depicting Mayan life

After the market, we decided to take one last dip in the Caribbean waters before we headed to the airport. As usual, the beach was divine. It’s just that our time was too short! I have to reiterate how splendid the beaches were. The sand was sugar fine and white. The waters gradated from sea green to turquoise to a majestic royal blue. My heart just felt so happy looking at the waters. The beach, the ocean, is my favorite place in the entire world.

7-26-09 Last day on the beach

Look at how picturesque this scene is!

7-26-09 Lifeguard stand on the beach

Eliana and I left the beach but not before absorbing more of the balmy breezes and the stunning Caribbean views!

7-26-09 Goodbye beautiful beach

Here’s another look at the spectacular ocean view from our hotel grounds.

7-26-09 Hotel walkway along the Caribbean Sea

I stopped for my last photo in front of my perfect paradise…

7-26-09 Dianne's last picture in front of picturesque Caribbean waters

I am golden brown now! But look at Eliana. She is really “morena.”

7-26-09 Eliana's last picture in front of Maya Riviera

All good things must come to an end and so it was for us. It was time to say goodbye to Cancun, Mexico and the majestic Maya Riviera.

7-26-09 Goodbye Dreams Resort & Spa Cancun

After flight delays in Cancun and Miami, we finally made it home. Travelers Tips: Do not pack candles in your carry-on. They are considered “liquids & gels” and will be confiscated. Our $25 layered sand & sea shell candle from Xcaret was confiscated and thrown away even though the airport sold the SAME EXACT candles in the gift shop inside the gate! Another tip: Do not take pictures inside U.S. Customs. TSA will take your camera and delete ALL photos on the camera. Apparently, it is a security breach. I didn’t know this and snapped this picture of Eliana before getting fussed at by a well-meaning TSA employee (who did not erase my pictures – TG!).

7-26-09 The forbidden picture inside TSA U.S. Customs

Cancun and the Maya Riviera was spectacular. I recommend visiting and staying at Dreams Resort & Spa Cancun. The level of service is phenomenal and all the restaurants serve great food. It was wonderful being served hand and foot on the beach by a waiter who constantly brought us drinks and food when we asked. You can eat poolside, barside, or beachside. And it’s all included! We had twice daily maid service with fresh towels and turn down service.

7-26-09 Under the straw palapa at the beach

The attractions in the Maya Riviera were all worth the money. It’s a great place for couples, family and friends. Eat, drink and be merry… in paradise!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

7-25-09 Cancun Day 5 view from balcony

Friends:

Since we had been taking tours all week, we decided to “stay in” and enjoy the offerings of our hotel, Dreams Resort & Spa. We decided to go to the “deep” beach. Eliana and I wanted to collect sea shells so we brought our snorkel gear and wore our beach shoes. While the entrance to the water is a little rocky with shells and stones, it smooths out if you go out a little further. It was perfect for shallow snorkeling and shell collecting, especially for Eliana.

7-25-09 Eliana poses w snorkel gear

The water was so clear, it was like swimming in a pool. I am still in awe of the beauty of Caribbean water! Eliana loved snorkeling and stayed under a lot!

7-25-09 Eliana snorkeling

Soleil stayed mostly under a palapa because the day before, at Tulum, she burned under the scorching sun.

7-25-09 Straw palapas that line the beach

We met a nice family from Iowa and Eliana made a new friend!

7-25-09 Eliana makes a new friend - Erin from Iowa

Our hotel hosts many weddings. It’s a perfect location because of the majestic cliff views, the beach access (for the wedding reception), and the balmy, breezy weather. I wish I could get married again here! LOL

7-25-09 Gazebo on the cliff overlooking the ocean, set up for a wedding

I loved the walk on the perimeter of our hotel, which is surrounded by water on three sides. The views are breathtaking!

7-25-09 Rocky cliff view

There were even iguanas on the grounds of our resort. He sort of blends into the rocks.

7-25-09 Iguana on the hotel grounds

Here I am, after a full day of fun in the Caribbean sun! (Warning: no makeup! LOL)

7-25-09 After a long day at the beach

Because we are situated on Punta Cancun (Cancun Point), the resort has a lighthouse to warn the ships at night. Our lighthouse happens to be a pretty candy cane design.

7-25-09 Dreams Resort lighthouse

Eliana and I have a cool souvenir – a sea urchin shell found on the beach (A kind woman found it and gave it to Eliana). It still has to be bleached and clean, to get rid of the fishy smell.

7-25-09 Sea Urchin found on the beach

Take a look at our awesome treasures from under the sea. Wow! What a collection! We have sea shells, sea glass, stones, tile, coral, and even petrified wood. I can’t wait to display our treasures.

7-25-09 Our collection of sea shells & other underwater treasures

Here’s another pretty sunset in Cancun.

7-25-09 The sun sets over Dreams

After our day at the beach, Eliana and Soleil ordered room service (24 hour room service is included in the price!) and watched a DVD (the hotel offers a collection of DVDs available free of charge) while Antonio and I dined at the Seaside Grill, an adult-only restaurant on the grounds at night.

7-25-09 Two goofy girls in the hotel room

It was our last night in this incredible Caribbean paradise. Sigh. But what a memorable vacation this has been!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne