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.”

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