by admin on March 27, 2008
Friends:
Soleil, my 17 year old daughter, the artist, was asked to donate a piece of art to the New Orleans Opera Association’s charity ball. This is Soleil’s description of her art:
“This is a very special, original piece by Soleil Lisette Casas commissioned especially for the New Orleans Opera Association in keeping with the ‘Romeo & Juliet’ star-crossed lover’s theme of the Opera Ball. This detailed, mixed media work highlights three operas with authentic sheet music and romantic objects such as velvet and lace to ‘set the stage.’”
The operas Soleil chose include: “Dido & Aeneas,” “Romeo & Juliet,” and “Orfeo ed Euridice.” The painting is a beautiful black, gray, red and white interpretation of romance operas, with a woman singing her “Aria di Amore.” Soleil concepted the piece, took 25 hours to paint it, and created the title. The painting measures 9″X12″.
It is a gorgeous piece I wish we could keep! Sigh. It will be auctioned at the New Orleans Opera Association ball to raise money for the opera. Congratulations, Soleil! Your painting is gorgeous and will beautify any wall it adorns… We’re so proud of you!!
Sing with joy, my friends!
Warmly, Dianne
by admin on March 25, 2008
Friends:
Eliana, my 7 year old, is such a sweet girl. She is constantly kissing me, hugging me, and telling me how much she loves me. She is also very helpful and will do anything I ask her to do right away. In addition, she often takes the initiative to do thoughtful things on her own like make my bed, fold and put her own clothes away, or pour me a drink.
So I thought I would do something special for her. Last month, before I left for my big international trip, I gave her a Super Star Award. It read:
“Super Star Award to
Eliana Marisol Casas
from Mommy
You are AMAZING!
February 2008″
Eliana loves the trophy so much that she carries it around with her all the time. It’s like she won a coveted “Oscar” award. Of course, she deserved it because she is an AMAZING child. Sometimes you have to let your children know in big ways how much you appreciate them. Just because they are.
Here is a watercolor masterpiece she created for me today…
See what I mean? AMAZING! Delight in the miracle of your children. Show them how much you love and appreciate them. They are amazing!
Warmly, Dianne
by admin on March 22, 2008
Friends:
My 17 year old daughter, Soleil, had to do a children’s book project for English V Honors. The book is about a young girl named Holly Wood who is afraid of taking risks.
She doesn’t like riding bikes, roller skating or swimming. The catchy chorus running throughout the book is preceded by a question: “Swimming in the Ocean? Holly shouldn’t… Holly couldn’t… Holly wouldn’t.”
When Holly’s best friend, Michelle, encourages her to try out for the school play, Holly decides to take the leap.
“Acting in the school play? Holly should… Holly could… Holly would!” This delightful story, full of clever word play and bright illustrations already has fans. One of Eliana’s (my 7 year old) classmates’ mother saw the book and asked Soleil if she could buy a copy!
I am certain that you’ll be seeing Holly Would on the bookshelves. I think it will be Soleil’s first children’s book. Publishing a children’s book? Soleil should… Soleil could… Soleil would! “Soleil, I know you’ll make it. I believe in you!”
I believe Soleil is going to be a bright new star in the children’s book world. And she’s only 17! Just wait! By the way, she’s already working on a second book: The Beastro, a story about monsters cooking up a storm.
Way to go, Soleil!
Warmly, Dianne
