1-16-10 Dianne de Las Casas and Holly Stone-Barker, Excalibur Maid representing Mary Poppins

Friends:

Mardi Gras Season begins on the Twelfth Night of Christmas every year, January 6. I had the privilege and honor of being a guest at a Mardi Gras ball! I was invited by my illustrator (of Mama’s Bayou) and dear friend, Holly Stone-Barker. It was my first Mardi Gras ball and I had a ball!

1-16-10 Posing at the entrance of the Excalibur Ball

The ball was held at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, Louisiana. The Krewe of Excalibur rolls in Metairie on Friday, February 5, 2010. My husband, Antonio, and I were seated at the “Nemo” table. Holly’s mom, Diane, was a maid representing the Disney movie, Finding Nemo. Our table was loaded with favors and tons of gifts!

1-16-10 Our table, loaded with favors

The pomp and circumstance began with a parade of breathtaking costumes, along with a history of the Krew of Excalibur, which is in its 9th year. The 2010 theme is “Knight-Time Stories” and the costumes represented favorite children’s stories that were also movies. There was “Dr. Seuss.”

1-15-10 Maid Alexis Smith representing Dr. Seuss

Here is “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

1-16-10 Maid Danielle Fricke representing Pirates of the Caribbean

My friend, Holly, was a maid representing “Mary Poppins.”

1-15-10 Holly Stone-Barker is a Maid representing Mary Poppins

“The Jungle Book” brought back childhood memories. I was in the play in elementary school, only my costume wasn’t as cool!

1-16-10 Maid representing The Jungle Book

Then there was Holly’s mom, Diane Stone, who was a stunning “Nemo.”

1-15-10 Holly Stone-Barker's mother, Diane Stone, is a Maid representing Finding Nemo

I felt like skipping down a yellow brick road for this one…

1-16-10 Maid representing The Wizard of Oz

The glorious parade culminated in the presentation of the King and the Queen. Presenting… King Excalibur IX!

1-16-10 Dr. Leo A. Pei is King Excalibur IX

The King was followed by the breathtaking Queen Excalibur IX. She was absolutely gorgeous in satin and sequins. She was elegant and graceful, and radiated joy.

1-16-10 Brittany Joy Falgout is Queen Excalibur IX

The costumes were so grandiose and awe-inspiring. I was told that they were made by D&D Designs. Every new costume just took my breath away.

1-16-10 All Hail the King and Queen!

What I love about Mardi Gras is how rich in history it is. Many visitors to New Orleans don’t realize how much tradition is behind Mardi Gras’ culture. It’s not just about beads and throws and parades. It’s about family and honor.

1-16-10 Nemo (Diane Stone), Junior Knight (Stephen Barker) & Mary Poppins (Holly Stone-Barker)

After the presentation of the court, dinner was served buffet style. Then it was time to dance! Vince Vance and the Valiants were the “Knight-Time” entertainment. Antonio and I shook, shook, shook our booties. Thank goodness I brought my Footzy Rolls, roll-up flat shoes made just for occasions like these. My ankle is still weak from my sprain two months ago. I chucked the high heels and felt fine in flats!

1-16-10 Dianne with her husband, Antonio

Holly has some sweet friends and family. I met her in-laws, who came in all the way from North Carolina!

1-16-10 The Barkers from North Carolina

Holly’s friend, Kathy, is a hoot. Just look at this vivacious woman!

1-16-10 Holly's friend, Kathy, dances!

Holly’s sister, Heather, sang with Vince Vance. LOL

1-16-10 Heather Stone with Vince Vance

Speaking of Vince Vance, I met him a couple of years ago. He came out into the audience and recognized me. I couldn’t believe he remembered me! He announced my name over the P.A. as “The Famous Storyteller Dianne de Las Casas” and had me join his girls on stage, singing “Love Shack.” Being on stage is no new place for me… LOL It was fun!

It was a grand evening and we partied until 2:30am! What a great way to continue celebrating my birthday! I really enjoyed meeting Toni, Holly’s friend. Toni had never met me and gave me the most gorgeous gifts! Her son, Nick, was a junior knight, like Holly’s son, Stephen. Toni, thank you! You are so sweet!

1-15-10 Dianne, Holly, Toni & Kathy having a ball!

Holly, thank you so much for inviting me and Antonio to the Excalibur Mardi Gras ball! I absolutely loved every minute of it. I had a ton of fun! See the grateful grin on my face?!

1-16-10 Dianne at Excalibur Mardi Gras Ball

Happy Mardi Gras Season! Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne