6-14-09 Paper Bag Pinata

Friends:

For your next party, try this super simple paper bag pinata! This one took me 10 minutes!

Materials:
Paper bag with handles (large gift bags work well)
Construction Paper
Streamers
Glue
Tape
Markers
Stapler
Candy & small prizes
Optional: Glitter

Instead of the usual pinata, try this handmade version. With construction paper, create a picture collage that fits the theme of your party (a pirate for a Pirate Party, a mermaid for Under the Sea, a cowboy for a Rodeo Roundup etc). You can look up images on the Internet for inspiration. Glue the picture collage to the both sides of the bag. For glitz and glamour, add glitter. Glue or tape streamers to the bottom of the bag. Stuff the bag with candy and goodies. Staple the top of the bag closed. Now you have a paper bag pinata for your party!

6-14-09 Eliana & Paper Bag Pinata

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Originally uploaded by Story Connection

Friends:

My last day at Bissonet Plaza Elementary doing my Louisiana Story Fest residency was amazing. The students in 3rd, 4th & 5th grades performed beautifully. They did such a wonderful job that I have to say they were the best Story Fest performances I have ever seen. Thank you to the students and teachers of Bissonet Plaza Elementary for being so wonderful. You all rock!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Ms. Lemoine's first graders have fun! 2-11-09

Friends:

It was Day 3 of my Louisiana Story Fest residency at Bissonet Plaza Elementary. Ms. Lemoine’s first grade class was my first visit. The students really enjoyed my telling of Cajun Cornbread Boy. They loved the scarf activity and had a ball. Here they are dancing to Zydeco music.

Ms. Lemoine's first graders dance Zydeco 2-11-09

Then it was upstairs to Ms. Vizzini’s second grade class. What a well-controlled group of students. They were quiet, attentive, and cooperative. They listened to me tell The Cajun Cornbread Boy, then we moved into our scarf and music activity.

Ms. Vizzini's 2nd graders dance with scarves 2-11-09

Ms. Vizzini joined us, playing the triangle in a Cajun band. You go, Ms. Vizzini!

Ms. Vizzini, 2nd grade teacher plays the triangle 2-11-09

With a couple of second graders helping me, we hauled my suitcase to Ms. Bonnano’s Kindergarten class. Ms. Bonnano had such energetic, inquisitive students who really enjoyed our activities. One little girl said, “Can you be our teacher forever?!” So cute!

Ms. Bonnano's Kindergarteners rock the Zydeco! 2-11-09

Then it was off to Ms. Massa’s third grade class. They were a wonderful group of students who really listened and participated in the activity.

Ms. Massa's third graders play women walking their dogs in Central Park 2-11-09

I had so much fun because the students really enjoyed the activities. Creativity abounded in this classroom!

Ms. Massa's third graders portray a bus full of bad students 2-11-09

After lunch, I went to Ms. Naugle’s 4th grade class. I love Ms. Naugle – she has been one of my favorite Strehle teachers for years. She is passionate about teaching and never shuns away from something new. This year, she has a technology integrated classroom – she has a website, an accessible E-board, an interactive blog, and even engages her students in video chat lesson plan exchanges with students from other schools around the country. Wow!

Ms. Naugle’s class was so excited about the activity that it was a challenge to get them to settle down between roles. But the class was bursting with creativity and I saw some exceptional work.

Ms. Naugle's 4th graders play a mother comforting her daughter, the jilted bride 2-11-09

Here are some students who worked so well in their group.

Ms. Naugle's 4th graders portray a restaurant scene 2-11-09

After 4th grade, it was time for my last class – 5th grade. When I first came into the room, they were quiet and attentive. But once we shed the structure of the classroom and moved into the drama activity, they lost self-control. It was the first time I had to terminate the scarf activity. They did get to do individual role-playing exercises but were not able to do partner work.

Ms. Brumfield's last period fifth grade class portray a boy who was caught stealing an apple from the neighbor's tree 2-11-09

I was disappointed in this bright group of 5th graders because I can see such potential in their young faces. I look forward to seeing how they will conduct themselves the next time I work with them.

That’s what teaching is about. There are joys and there are challenges. Ultimately, the joys outweigh the challenges and I love seeing the students’ faces light up when they are enjoying themselves and learning something new.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Ms. Buras' first graders explore Zydeco with scarves 2-10-09

Friends:

Today was my second day at Bissonet Plaza Elementary doing my Louisiana Story Fest residency. My day began in Ms. Buras’ first grade class. The students loved the story of The Cajun Cornbread Boy. Afterwards, we had a blast exploring Zydeco and Cajun music with scarves. Here are some students dancing Zydeco! Too cute!

Ms. Buras' first graders dance as couples to Zydeco 2-10-09

Afterwards, it was upstairs to second grade to visit Ms. Leblanc’s class. They were an attentive, fun-loving group of students. Here they are passing a good time with the music and scarves.

Ms. Leblanc's second graders dance Zydeco 2-10-09

Next, I traveled downstairs to see the Kindergarteners of Ms. Hahn’s class. We had such a great time with the scarves. Look at us in our dance circle!

Ms. Dianne dances with Ms. Hahn's Kindergarteners 2-10-09

I really enjoyed seeing Ms. Arnett’s third grade class. They loved hearing about The Cajun Cornbread Boy book. We then began preparing for story theater by doing some drama role-playing activities with the scarves.

Ms. Arnett's third graders role play a woman walking her dog in Central Park 2-10-09

Even Ms. Arnett participated! She is so cute role-playing with one of her students!

Ms. Arnett and a student portray a mother comforting her daughter, the jilted bride 2-10-09

After lunch, I headed to Ms. Morrow’s 4th grade class. What a fantastic group of students! They radiated joy and appreciation. With a teacher like Ms. Morrow, it’s no wonder! She is positive, upbeat and appreciative of my presence in her classroom.

Ms. Mrrow's 4th graders play a boy stealing an apple from a neighbor's tree 2-10-09

Here is Ms. Morrow getting in on the action with a group of her students. I love when a teacher leads by example, participating in the activity. What fun they all had! You rock, Ms. Morrow! And thank you for sharing your birthday cupcakes, Mishi! (Yes, Ms. Morales, I still love you too!)

Ms. Morrow and her 4th graders play a bus full of bad students 2-10-09

Finally, I ended my day in Ms. McLeod’s last period fifth grade class. They were a wonderful group of students to work with, at times a little chatty but they always settled down when asked. They delighted in the role-playing activities and I could see the sheer joy on their faces.

Ms. McLeod's 5th graders play a woman walking her dog in Central Park 2-10-09

I enjoyed this group of students. One of the girls said to me, “Ms. Dianne, you are so pretty!” We had to take a picture together. Thank you, sweetheart!

Ms. Dianne poses with a 5th grade student 2-10-09

I look forward to more time with my Bissonet students!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Dianne in Central Park 1-30-09

Friends:

My NYC trip was one of the best trips ever! I had a blast. Part of the trip was business but a large portion of the trip was for pleasure. Holla!

After many flight delays, I arrived in NYC late in the afternoon on Wednesday, January 28, 2009. Holly Stone-Barker, my friend who is an amazing illustrator, was already in our room. We roomed together for the SCBWI conference. She and I went to dinner at Pershing Cafe’, which had delicious food. It was restaurant week so we ate an appetizer, entree’ and dessert for $35!! Holly was so sweet – she treated me to dinner for my birthday (January 15).

Early in the morning on Thursday, January 29, my best friend from high school, Fe Reyes, arrived. We screamed and hugged and cried like little girls when we saw each other (we hadn’t seen each other since HS!). NYC was my birthday gift to her. Holly, Fe and I had breakfast at Pershing then hit the streets. We were doing Chinatown!

Dianne in Chinatown with grass weaver artist 1-29-09

Holly, Fe and I power-shopped the stores of Chinatown buying everything from scarves to purses to jewelry to shoes. It was so much fun! Holly, who had gone to college at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, said that she remembered a fabulous restaurant called Joe’s Shanghi that specialized in dumplings. We could not find the place. Holly asked every little Chinese man and woman where it was. After walking 28 blocks (ok not really but we walked A LOT), Holly finally found it. And it was so worth the hunt. The dumplings were so delicious – the waiter even “cut my dumpling open” for me. LOL I learned how to properly eat a chinese dumpling, full of pork and hot soup. Our waiter even sang me a Chinese love ballad. So sweet.

Holly, Dianne & Fe in front of Joe's Shanghai in NYC Chinatown 1-29-09

Holly had to go to another part of town to shop for paper and also to meet other friends. Fe and I had to dinner and theater plans so we parted in the late afternoon. When Fe and I got back to the hotel, we realized that we were running late! It was a mad dash to get ready. But we made it. We rode in a limousine to 21 Club, a posh NYC restaurant run by Executive Chef John Greely.

Dianne and Fe in the Limo, leading the glamorous life! 1-29-09

The maitre’d escorted us to the Upstairs, a more private dining room for which I had reservations. We had a wonderful sommelier and server, Christopher, who catered to our every desire.

Fe & Dianne at 21 Club Upstairs 1-29-09

We each had an appetizer, entree’ and dessert. They even brought out Fe’s dessert with a candle in it. So sweet. Then the executive chef came out to greet Fe and wish her a Happy Birthday like the VIP Birthday Star she was. She was tickled pink and told me I was the best date ever. LOL

Executive Chef John Greely of 21 Club with Fe & Dianne 1-29-09

Then it was off to see Mamma Mia! It was a short but brisk walk (soooo cold!) to the Winter Garden Theater. The musical was phenomenal. Fe and I danced in our fabulous seats (middle mezzanine row 2). Yeah, we were totally Dancing Queens, havin’ the time of our lives!

Fe in front of Mamma Mia at the Winter Garden Theater 1-29-09

After Mamma Mia, we had drinks at the Inc. Lounge at the Time Hotel, right across the street from the Chicago theater. I stayed at the Time Hotel for a week in the summer and the staff of the hotel and the manager of the lounge remembered me. He invited Fe and I back to the lounge on Friday and Saturday night to a private party, guest list only.

We slept in on Friday. It was snowing so we decided to do something indoors. Fe and I decided to go to the American Museum of Natural History, right across the street from Central Park. Of course, we had to walk to Central Park first.

Dianne in Central Park at the Enchanted Bridge 1-30-09

Here’s a classic picture. Love those NYC cabs!

New York City cabs in front of Central Park 1-30-09

Then Fe and I headed to the American Museum of Natural History. How cool is this picture in front of the building?!! Author Dianne de Las Casas!

Dianne de Las Casas, Author 1-30-09

I am working on a Dinosaur book so I was really interested in seeing the dinosaur movie, Dinosaurs Alive! at the IMAX theater as well as viewing the dino exhibit. Fe was all for it.

T-Rex at the American Museum of Natural History in NYC 1-30-09

We had fun walking around the museum and exploring the dinosaurs.

Fe & Dianne in the Museum of Natural History NYC 1-30-09

We even visited the… DinoStore where we had the best customer service!

The DinoStore 1-30-09

Then it was time to get ready for dinner.

Dianne in the coolest subway entrance ever 1-30-09

We got back to the hotel and dressed for Ellen’s Stardust Diner, another birthday surprise for Fe.

Hottie Fe getting ready for another big night in NYC! 1-30-09

Ellen’s Stardust Diner was fantastic. The wait staff sings as the customers dine. Of course, we were celebrating Fe’s birthday so she had extra special birthday STAR treatment! We even met some fun people from L.A. – Lower Alabama! Hi Walter!

Singing Waiter at Ellen's Stardust Diner 1-30-09

After Ellen’s, Fe and I went back to the Inc. Lounge. As soon as we walked up, we were ushered in like VIP as “friends of Jesse.” It was awesome. Jesse had some friends in from Boston and they were dancing up a storm. It was a blast. What a night! Thanks, Jesse!

Fe & Lance dance! at the Inc. Lounge 1-30-09

On Saturday, January 31, 2009, it was Fe’s real birthday. It was also the first day of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) conference. The day was full – beginning with a keynote by Jarrett Krosoczka, author of Punk Farm. He had the most hilarious video featuring children’s book stars like Tomie dePaola, Jane Yolen, John Scieska, Mo Willems, Grace Lin, Tony DiTerlizzi, and more. Then it was off to editor’s breakout sessions. The lunch keynote speaker was Jay Asher, author of 13 Reasons Why. Jay gave a moving keynote about his journey into being a published author. More editor’s breakout sessions in the afternoon and then the SCBWI cocktail hour. There I see my friend, Bonnie Bader and my sweetie, Allie!

Lauren, Bonnie Bader, Allie & Dianne at the SCBWI Reception 1-31-09

Afterwards, Fe and I met met my fun and fabulous friend, Ellen Hopkins, NYT best-selling author of Crank (among many other books) for drinks and dinner. We had a huge group of people – YA writers. We went to a place called Public, where we had a great dinner. My cousins, Valerie and El-Al met us there. After dinner, it was time for more dancing. We got back to the hotel late/early! LOL

Fe, Jesse Cody & Dianne at the Inc. Loung in the Time Hotel 1-31-09

On Sunday, February 1, 2009, we headed downstairs for Bruce Hale’s morning keynote address. Bruce is the author of the Chet Gecko series and he wowed the crowd with his singing abilities. He also gave a wonderful keynote on how to appeal to middle grade kids. Plus Bruce was pimpin in his MacDaddy hat and tailored jacket. You go, Bruce!

Dianne de Las Casas & Bruce Hale 2-1-09

Fe and I still had to pack so we ended up missing the closing keynoter, Jack Gantos. I made a lot of great connections at the SCBWI conference. Hey to all my new friends out there! Be sure to meet me on FaceBook!

Fe and Holly had to head to the airport that afternoon and I had to go to my friend, Katie Davis’ house. So after a teary goodbye to Fe and a big hug for Holly (we see each other often – Holly lives in Louisiana), I headed to Grand Central Station to catch my train to Bedford Hills, NY.

Katie Davis, my good friend and wonderful author, was at the train station to greet me and pick me up. She had a surprise for me too! Elizabeth Dulemba (Author/Illustrator) and Hope Anita Smith (Coretta Scott King Honors Author) were at her house. It was going to be a slumber party. Unfortunately, they had all just returned from Kindling Words, a writer’s retreat and were dead tired. We talked for a bit but everyone was ready to retire. Elizabeth and I were sharing a room and ended staying up a little longer trading technology tips. It was so much fun. When I awoke the next morning, both Elizabeth and Hope were already gone – they caught a 6:30am train into the city.

Katie and I hung out all day. Her gorgeous 13 year old daughter, Ruby, was sick so we ran a few errands, getting medicine and lunch.

Diva Dianne in Mt. Kisco, NY 2-2-09

Here’s cool Katie saying, “Hurry up and take the picture already!”

Katie Davis in Mt. Kisco 2-2-09

Katie is so talented. I got a tour of her studio. Not only does she illustrate but she knits (she knitted the sweater she is wearing), makes jewelry, and cooks! She made me the most awesome cold sesame noodles for dinner that night. Wow!

We had wine, talked shop, and visited like girlfriends. She is one of the coolest chicks I know. I love her energy, her intelligence, and her family! Thank you Jerry, Benny & Ruby for having me as a guest in your house!

On Tuesday, February 3, 2009, it was time to head back to NYC to catch my flight home. It began snowing and I was worried that I would have flight delays. I don’t see snow very often so I was like a giddy little girl watching the flurries build drifts.

Snowy Day from Katie Davis' porch - so pretty! 2-3-09

Around 2:15pm, Katie brought me to the train station. Thank you for the wonderful visit, Katie! On the train, I met a wonderful young lady, Heather with gorgeous flaming red hair. She is going to be the next big Broadway star!

Heather, future Broadway Star and Dianne 2-3-09

My trip to NYC was phenomenal! Thank you to everyone who made it special!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Pencil Dreidel - 12-7-08

Hannukah Activity: Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel
Make a dreidel and play the game. If you are working with a class, divide the students into groups for best group management. A dreidel is a toy and a game that is played during Hanukkah.It is played by children and adults and can have two to many players.The dreidel is a spinning top and can be made of many different types of material including wood, clay, plastic and paper. The top is decorated with symbols. Each player spins and tries to win the objects in the pot. The letters on the dreidel, Nun, Gimmel, Hey and Shin, stand for “Nes Gadol Haya Sham,” which means “A Great Miracle Happened There.”

Each player must start off with an equal amount of goodies (pennies, hard candy, beans, pasta, toothpicks, use your imagination). Each player puts an object in the pot (the middle) at the beginning of each round. Player 1 spins the dreidel. Every time the pot is empty or has only one game piece left, every player should put one object into the pot. When the dreidel stops, the symbol it lands on lets you know what to do next. Whoever ends up with all of the goodies at end of the game is the winner.

Gimel – player takes all of the pot
Nun – player gets nothing
Hey – player takes half of the po
Shin – player puts one object into the pot

Materials:
Pencil
3″ paper square

Directions:
Fold the square in half, diagonally, pressing on the crease. Unfold it and do the same with the other side. Inside each corner, draw each one of the dreidel symbols. Here is a link to the dreidel symbols Dreidel symbols Cut a small slit in the middle and slide a pencil through the paper. The symbols should be facing up and the point of the pencil should be facing down. A piece of tape may be needed to secure the paper to the pencil. The pencil is then spun on its point. The symbol facing the player is the one used for that player

Friends:

I arrived in East Brunswick, New Jersey on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at the Hilton Hotel for the New Jersey Association of School Librarians Conference. After signing books at the Libraries Unlimited booth, I went to dinner with Debby Laboon (Libraries Unlimited’s Authors Respresentative) and Anne Scharff (Greenwood Press’ Sales Representative). We met Judy Freeman and her sweet husband, Izzy, at a restaurant in New Brunswick called Soho. Dinner was delicious. After returning to hotel, I went to my room, Skyped with my family and then crashed.

The morning of November 14, I attended a session by Wayne Free, who works with the Louisiana Association of Educators. The room was small and the crowd was spilling into the hallway. Wayne spoke about how librarians could incorporate using media (the Internet, etc.) into their library lesson plans.

Wayne Free 11-14-08

After Wayne’s session, I attended Judy Freeman’s session on picture book “Winners.” It was a fabulous session and her room was full. Judy is so animated and energetic, a great storyteller, singer, and entertainer. The books she showcases are definitely winning reads. This is Judy reading Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel.

Judy Freeman 11-14-08

I had to leave Judy’s workshop a tad early because I had to set up for my workshop. I presented “Handmade Tales.” Here are the attendees creating “Joseph Had An Overcoat” cut -and-tell story.

NJASL Workshop Participants creating "Joseph Had an Overcoat Cut and Tell" - 11-14-08

We were having so much fun in the workshop. They really enjoyed “Bandana Man,” an adaptation of “The Gingerbread Man” done with a bandana.

NJASL Workshop Participants with "Bandana Man" - 11-14-08

Look at this cutie! He was the old woman in “Bandana Man.”

The Old Woman in "Bandana Man" - 11-14-08

I received rave reviews on my workshop from the workshop participants. It was so much fun. Afterward, I went to the Libraries Unlimited booth to sign books. Then it was time for dinner. I went to dinner with Debby Laboon, Judy Freeman, and Susan Fichtelberg (another LU author). We ate at a swanky diner that had the best food and we had the best time.

Susan Fichtelberg, Debby Laboon, Dianne de Las Casas & Judy Freeman - 11-14-08

The next day, Saturday, November 15, 2008, I ate a quick buffet breakfast at the hotel’s cafe and then headed to the ballroom to set up my second “Handmade Tales” workshop. Another author was presenting and went over time, giving me less than 10 minutes to set up. I was frantic!

Nevertheless, I had a room full of enthusiastic librarians, who enjoyed the workshop as much as the previous group. Here is a workshop participant’s rendition of an original draw-and-tell story, “The Emperor’s Dragon.”

Draw-and-tell Story "The Emperor's Dragon" - 11-15-08

Here is a table of librarians who are all “Reading Stars!” The star is made with a single sheet of paper, five folds and one snip of the scissors. The librarian on the right is author Susan Fichtelberg.

The Magic Star - 11-14-08

My final story was “The Stubborn Turnip,” a string story adaptation of the Russian tale “The Enormous Turnip.” Below, workshop participants celebrate their successful attempt to make the string bowl in the story.

"The Stubborn Turnip" String Bowl - 11-14-08

Both of my workshops were full of lively librarians who appreciate the hands-on activities of the workshop. I had a great time presenting at the New Jersey Association of School Librarians state conference. The 2009 Conference Chair attended my first workshop and asked me to return next year. Now that gives me warm fuzzies all over! My Handmade Tales book sold out even before my first presentation began – wow!

Thank you so much to the conference chair, Pam Cheskey, the conference staff (especially Aliah), and all the lovely librarians who chose to attend my session when there were other wonderful sessions ongoing simultaneously. Thank you to all the librarians who helped me set up and pack up, especially Karen and Wendy. I just love librarians! They are always willing to lend a hand.

A special thank you to Debby Laboon (I just luv u!) and Anne Scharff (my bud), who are both wonderful women. I so appreciate what you do for my books!

Happy Tales to You! Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Goodbye Soleil 9-6-08

Friends:

Today we left Diamondhead, Mississippi. Antonio and Eliana brought Soleil back to Baton Rouge. I headed back home. Here is my van stuffed to the gills.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Van Stuffed 9-6-08

Welcome to Louisiana! Going home!

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Bienvenue en Louisiana 9-6-08

I decided to stop and visit my friend, children’s musician and children’s book author, Johnette Downing. Johnette lives in New Orleans and because of our touring schedules, we don’t see each other very much. On my way to Johnette’s house, I drove through the Garden District on St. Charles Avenue.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - St. Charles Avenue 9-6-08

I decided to join Johnette in running her errands. Along the way, we saw some tree debris from Gustav.

This is a Chevron gas station with some awning damage.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Damage to Chevron 9-6-08

This sign was torn apart.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Damage to Sign 9-6-08

Johnette and I went to the mall. Can you believe it was open? We were actually in Jefferson Parish on the East Bank. They have power and sewerage 100% fully restored. After the mall, we ate at Zea’s Rotisserie Grill. I had so much fun visiting Johnette. I had to make sure I left before the curfew went into effect at 10:00 p.m. On my way home, Antonio called me to tell me that our power was out again. I was so upset. It turned out that the power was off for a short while. Whew!

Here are my suitcases, unloaded into my office.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuaton - Unloading Suitcases 9-6-08

My husband, Antonio, decided it would be better to empty our our refrigerators tonight. Tomorrow, I will have to give them a full cleaning. Then we have to restock.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Cleaning Out the Fridge 9-6-08

We had some good news. FEMA informed us that we were eligible for evacuation assistance. Our insurance gave us some good news too – they would help with housing (during the time of the mandatory evacuation).

Eliana went to work right away, putting her room back in order. She took the things off the top bunk and put them away. I am going to wait to unpack, to see what Hurricane Ike decides to do…

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Eliana Cleaning Her Room 9-6-08

I am glad to be back home. It will be great when sewerage services are fully restored. Then we can do laundry, wash dishes, and take showers. Tomorrow, I will document the damage. Tonight, I will enjoy being back in my home sweet home!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation Traffic 3am

Friends:

It’s 1:30am on September 1, 2008 as I write this. I have not been to sleep in over 2 days! My body is bone-weary but my mind won’t allow me to sleep… so I write.

Antonio (my husband, Eliana (my 8 year old daughter), and I headed to my mom’s house. We evacuated with my mom (Josie Chretien), my stepdad (Clay Chretien), and my brother’s (Gary James’) four children (Jourdan – 10, Camrynn – 9, Ashlynn – 7, and Jasmynn – 6). My brother is a single parent and a police officer for the Louisiana Medical Center of New Orleans Emergency Response Team (ERT) so we have charge of his children during this evacuation.

Police Officer Gary A. James - September 1, 2008

We caravanned in four vehicles: Antonio, Camrynn and Eliana in one car; Clay and Jourdan in one car; my mom, Ashlynn, and Jasmynn in one car, and me by myself in my van because my AC had just gone out and we didn’t want any of the children to ride in the heat (Boy, did it get hot!!).

We decided to leave at night or rather, early AM so that it would be cooler and so that the children would sleep (less stopping when they are sleeping). After helping my parents pack their vehicles, we headed out around 2:00 am on Saturday, August 30, 2008. Our destination: Birmingham, Alabama.

We chose Birmingham because of its proximity inland and the fact that our oldest daugher, Soleil (18), could fly there from Houston. She was in Houston visiting her boyfriend. Her Southwest flight back to New Orleans was canceled. She attends Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and we were concerned about getting her back to class after the storm, once classes resumed. We had her re-routed to Birmingham, Alabama, where we could pick her up and keep her out of harm’s way. At the time of our decision, Houston, Texas was within the cone of uncertainty as well.

It was pretty smooth sailing, leaving the West Bank (Jefferson Parish) and driving through the Crescent City Connection, which had suspended tolls, until we hit I-10 East toward Slidell, Louisiana. The traffic was bumper-to-bumper as you can see from the photo above.

Contraflow, when traffic is re-routed as all outgoing from the city, was supposed to begin at 3:00am. There was trouble. First, Alabama State Police would not allow evacuees into the state on I-10 East due to heavy congestion. That traffic was re-routed to Mississippi. Then Mississippi began having a problem and the Mississippi State Police shut down entrance into I-10 East into their state due to the same congestion problems. Both Mississippi and Alabama had their own contraflow instituted, evacuating their Gulf Coast residents. This caused an extreme bottleneck and back-up in Louisiana. Louisiana State Police had to redirect all traffic north on I-59. By daybreak, around 6:00am. we were still inching along, just leaving New Orleans East and entering Slidell.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Traffic at Daybreak in Slidell

There were no available restrooms, gas or food along the route as this point. We had to stop in Slidell, after having been on the road for just over 4 hours and not even making it out of Louisiana! We stopped at a RaceTrac gas station but it was closed and out of gas (of course).

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - No Gas in Slidell, Louisiana

Once we entered contraflow just past Slidell (we were like Brits, driving on the “wrong” side of the road), it seemed as though momentum had picked up. Wrong. Even with contraflow, traffic continued to back up for hundreds of miles because of the massive Gulf Coast Evacuations.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Contraflow Bumper-to-Bumper Traffic

We crawled along in stop and go traffic until we reached Mississippi. Seeing no relief in the foreseeable future, we decided to try an alternate route. We stopped in McNeill, Mississippi and took Highway 11 North. Along the way, we found our first convenience store with a clean, working restroom! After that quick stop and stretch, we continued north on Highway 11. We drove through cute little Poplarville (I have fond memories of the Poplarville Blueberry Storytelling Festival) with no problems. All was fine until we reached Hattiesburg, Mississippi. There, Highway 11 ended and we were detoured back to I-59. By now, it was 11:56 am and we had been on the road for 10 hours. We fueled with 5 hour energy drinks, No Doze, and Diet Coke. I know that’s not healthy but we had to get to Birmingham, Alabama at a certain time to pick up Soleil from the airport by 5:45pm.

We kept in touch via 2-way radios, which were a Godsend. We were able to communicate when cell signals were unavailable and able to make on-the-spot routing decisions. We were able to stay together when traffic separated us at times and stop together when someone needed a break.

I-59 seemed to flow okay then Antonio heard news that there was a major delay in Meridien, Mississippi. We made a quick decision to head east on Hwy 84. It turned out to be a great decision. Highway 84 East had no traffic whatsoever. At the intersection of Highway 84 and Highway 69, we stopped in Coffeeville, Alabama at a country buffet restaurant. At this point, the adults had gone without food and the children had only PB&J sandwiches and light snacks. We needed a substantial meal. It was about 2:00pm and we had spent 12 hours on the road with short stops for gas, stretches, and refreshments and no naps. Here is a picture of the children under the four stags the restaurant owner hunted.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Country Buffet in Coffeeville, Alabama

At this point, I knew we wouldn’t make it to Birmingham in time to pick up Soleil from the airport. I texted her and asked her to wait until we arrived. I knew she’d be okay at the airport for 1-2 hours.

We followed Highway 84 East to Highway 43 North. From 43, we took Highway 5 North to Birmingham. We stopped in Woodstock for a quick break. Highway 5 is a hurricane evacuation route, with signs posted along the way. Several times, we saw caravans of National Guardsmen heading in the opposite direction, probably to assist in Hurricane protection and relief efforts. I said a prayer for them and thanked God for their presence. Both my father and step-father served in the military. I was a military “brat” and I have a tremendous amount of respect and awe for our service men and women.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - National Guard Caravan

From Highway 5, we intersected with I-20 East. We followed I-20 East to I-65 North. After 16 and a half excruciating hours on the road, we finally made it to Fultondale, Alabama, just outside of Birmingham. Here is a picture of our “Home Suite Home.” When Antonio made reservations, there was only one room available. If we had to, we would all squeeze into one room. Angels must have been smiling upon us (thank you for your prayers) because when we checked in around 6:15pm, there was a cancellation and we were able to secure another room (the last one in the hotel). The best part is that our rooms are just across the hall from each other!

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Home Suite Home

Antonio left to pick up Soleil from the airport (he got her around 7pm) and the whole family was together. Well, almost. My mother-in-law stayed with Antonio’s sister, Pam, in Baton Rouge. We are keeping in touch with them and praying that the storm has mercy on Baton Rouge. My mother-in-law, because of health issues, can no longer endure long hours in the car.

While traveling, I “Twittered” my updates, which were live on my website (Thank you, thank you, Heidi Hafner, my AWESOME web designer). I also checked my emails (though I was unable to respond) and was astounded at the volume of people around the world who took the time to send well-wishes and prayers for me and my family. I am so blessed to belong to such a beautiful community of people who always have their hearts open. Thank you everyone for your kindness and generosity.

We were offered homes across the country. I will be watching Hurricane Gustav as he makes landfall. At his current projected path, Jefferson Parish may flood like it has never flooded before. We pray, pray, pray for mercy…

To all of my friends in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama whose homes and lives are in hurricane danger zone, I pray for you as well. You are all in my thoughts. We’ll weather this storm together.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne