4-12-10 Dianne de Las Casas at the Get Motivated! Seminar at the New Orleans Arena with her friend, Liz Reyes

Friends:

I attended the Get Motivated! Seminar at the New Orleans Arena on Monday, April 12, 2010. I hung out with my husband, Antonio, and my friend, Liz Reyes, a media consultant and lifestyles expert. It was a great day and I received many nuggets of wisdom from the fabulous lineup of speakers that included Rudy Giuliani, Former Mayor of New York; Laura Bush, Former First Lady of the United States; Tamara Lowe, International Speaker and Best-Selling Author; Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints Head Coach and reigning Super Bowl champion; General Colin Powell; Bob Patel, International Speaker and Stock Market Expert; Zig Ziglar, International Speaker and Best-Selling Author; James Smith, Financial Wizard; Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints Quarterback and Super Bowl XLIV MVP; and Stephen Pierce, Multi-Millionaire Internet Marketer. Here are some of the highlights:

Rudy Giuliani – “Stay connected with the world around you. Learn how to use technology to connect and adapt it to your business and personal life. Read. Read about things you are interested in. Listen. You don’t learn when you are talking. You learn when you are listening. Debate. Talk to people that disagree with you. Write. Capture your thoughts. Write down the pros and cons when making a big decision. Think. Take time to thank about what you really believe.”

Laura Bush – “Reading is a guiding passion in my life. Literacy is the cornerstone of democracy. Every child in the world should be able to read.”

Tamara Lowe – “Everyone is motivated but everyone is motivated differently. Find out what a person’s motivational DNA (Drives, Needs, Awards) is. Get past your past. Loser make excuses but winners take action.”

Sean Payton – “Some of your greatest rewards come from your greatest challenges. Celebrate your achievements and milestones, not just the big victories. Find time to celebrate small accomplishments.”

General Colin Powell – “It doesn’t matter where you start, it’s where you finish. Leadership is all about followership and giving them a sense of purpose. Leaders have to be passionate and inspiring. Human connection and respect creates followers.”

Bob Patel – “Wishing doesn’t get you anywhere. Action does. There are three kinds of people: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who ask, ‘what happened?’”

Zig Ziglar – “Encouragement is the fuel on which hope runs. You can have everything in life you want if you help others get what they want.”

James Smith – You have to take charge of your own life and your own future. Where you spend your time is where your heart is. Don’t work for your money. Make it work for you. Make money but don’t leave victims. Your words are your prophecy. The way you approach the least defines who you are.”

Drew Brees – “Five Pillars to Success = FAITH. F is for Fortitude. A is for Attitude. I is for Integrity. T is for Trust. H is for Humility. If you do things the right way, good things will happen for you.

How to Lead a Team to Victory: Set goals. Do one thing to exercise your leadership every day. Lead by example. Never ask someone to do something you are not willing to do yourself. Lead with consistency. Lead with passion and show them that you care.”

Drew Brees also loves this Winston Churchill quote: “You can accomplish anything in life if you don’t mind who gets the credit.”

Stephen Pierce – “In life, what you see depends on where you sit.”

I felt inspired and privileged to see so many great achievers under one roof in one day. Plus, it was wonderful being able to spend time with Liz. Not only that, the whole promotional and sales department of my publisher, Pelican Publishing Company, was sitting right behind me, How cool is that?!

Now I leave you with my life’s mantra: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined…” – Henry David Thoreau

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

2-14-10 Bacchus Parade - Love is In the Air title float

Friends:

On the Sunday before Mardi Gras, Antonio and I always join friends for a Dimanche Gras celebration, hosted by our good friend, Harold Rihner. We eat at the classic and classy New Orleans restaurant, Antoine’s. We had a lovely lunch with Joe and Jane, Mike and Lyndell, Harold and Lisa, and John and Kathleen. Antonio and I are in the middle of the picture.

2-14-10 Our Dimanche Gras Celebration with friends hosted by Harold Rihner, 2nd from the right

This year, Harold booked us in the Proteus room, a gorgeous private dining room dedicated to the Krewe of Proteus, especially the queens. Proteus is the second oldest New Orleans Mardi Gras parade and has been in existence since 1882. In mythology, Proteus is the Shepherd of the Oceans.

2-14-10 The Proteus Room at Antoine's Restaurant

After a sumptuous feast, we walked through the French Quarter.

2-14-10 Dianne in front of a Ferrari

Our ultimate goal was to get to the Hotel Intercontinental, where we had Grand Stand tickets to view the Bacchus Parade. Walking through the French Quarter on Mardi Gras weekend is always fun. There are many interesting characters along the way…

2-14-10 Antonio behind a golden mime

There are even those that cry out, “Let them eat cake!”

2-14-10 No way! Is that Marie Antoinette?!!!

After visiting with our friend Petros at the Country Flame Restaurant on Iberville, we went to the Hilton on St. Charles, where our friends had a room, to change into “parade” clothes. This meant lots of layers as the weather was unseasonably cold and windy. In fact, I totally bundled up!

2-14-10 Dianne, feeling like a popsicle

Once at the Grand Stand, I met a nice couple, Mervin and Frieda from Ruston, who shared their spot with me at the front of the Grand Stand, so I could take pictures for this blog! Thank you so much, Mervin and Frieda! You rock!

2-14-10 Mervin and Frieda, the nice couple I met from Ruston, LA

The theme for Bacchus was “Love is in the Air” to honor Valentine’s Day, since the parade fell on the lovely holiday this year. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints Quarterback and Super Bowl XLIV MVP, was this year’s reigning king. Crowds whipped into a frenzy when his float cruised by.

2-14-10 Saints Quarterback Drew Brees, King of Bacchus

Drew Brees’ wife, Brittany, was also on the float throwing trinkets to the adoring crowds.

2-14-10 Drew Brees' wife, Brittany

Normally, I love watching the marching bands from all the schools but this year, the bands didn’t play and dance a lot near our Grand Stand.

2-14-10 Southern University marching band

The floats were beautiful but some of my favorites are perennial favorites – the traditional Bacchus floats that appear year after year such as Queen King (King Kong’s wife).

2-14-10 Bacchus Parade's Queen Kong

The Baccha-Whoppa float, an annual super float in the shape of a whale, stopped right in front of us. There were some unusual delays in the parade and huge gaps between floats.

2-14-10 Bacchus Parade - Baccha-Whoppa

Two of the riders were directly in front of me and I was able to converse with them. They were fun guys and gave us lots of throws. They were even nice enough to pose for me!

2-14-10 The coolest riders on Baccha-Whoppa

Bacchatality is another favorite float. It features riders from the hospitality industry in New Orleans. The float is decorated with foods that are mainstays in Louisiana: crawfish, hot sauce, etc. It is a three caboose float that can hold tons of riders.

2-14-10 Bacchus Parade - Bacchatality float

I love the float that featured the iconic “The War Is Over!” kiss. So sweet!

The floats were so cleverly titled to correlate with the Krewe’s theme “Love is in the Air” and so beautifully decorated. All of the riders matched their floats with corresponding costumes.

2-14-10 Bacchus is the God of Wine

Although less goodies were thrown this year than in year’s past, the floats were gorgeous and I loved partying downtown, despite the chilly temperatures (people left the parade en mass because of the cold weather). It was another fun, memorable Dimanche Gras. Thank you, Harold and Lisa, for a spectacular celebration!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

2-9-10 Fantastic Fanatic Fan!

Friends,

My husband, Antonio (who just returned from Miami today), Eliana and I were among the thousands of spectators cheering on the New Orleans Saints in their first ever Super Bowl victory parade. The crowds were HUGE and traffic was gridlock! New Orleans TV commentators said that they had never seen Mardi Gras crowds like this. We may have broken parade attendance records. The Who Dat Nation truly welcomed home the Black and Gold Bless You Boys!

2-9-10 The Crowd at the Super Dome!

We caught the parade right at the beginning, at the Louisiana Superdome. I couldn’t help but think of images of the Superdome just 4 1/2 years ago and images of the Superdome now. It glittered like gold in the sunlight, a shimmering beacon of hope, passion and perseverance. After 43 years, the Saints not only made it to the Super Bowl, they WON with a 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts and the legendary Peyton Manning. Saints Quarterback and Super Bowl MVP, Drew Brees, grinned from ear to ear and did what he does best: throw perfectly. Only this time, he threw beads to adoring and cheering fans.

2-9-10 In front of the Superdome, Drew Brees throws beads to the adoring crowds

“Stand Up and Get Crunk” and “Who Dat Say Dey Gon’ Beat Dem Saints?!” filled the air as the floats partied by. The New Orleans Saints players danced and catered to the crowds. “Throw Me Something, Mister” was replaced by “Who Dat!” on the parade route.

2-9-10 The crowd adores the Saints!

It’s hard not to get caught up in the fan frenzy when everyone is so filled with joy. What the Saints did for New Orleans is almost unbelievable. They united a city ravaged by hurricanes and tiresome politics. They brought together a community of people not just from New Orleans, but from Louisiana and Who Dat “Nationals” outside the state. They defied predictions. They stunned the naysayers. They stood up and got “crunk.” They won. And they reciprocated their fans’ love with a breathtaking Super Bowl victory.

2-9-10 The Golden Dome shines in the background as the Pierre Thomas (23) and teammates inspire the Who Dat Nation

As dusk fell, the air was filled with a palpable chill. But that chill was tempered by the warmth and camaraderie of the Bless You brethren, where everyone is a member of the “Who Dat Nation!”

2-9-10 Who Dat Nation fire truck

While waiting for the floats to pass, we all talked to our neighbors. We shared our stories of where we were when “it” happened. We shared our amazement. We shared our common awe, respect, and love for the team that gave the city their heart. And to honor their victory, we kicked up our heels and celebrated in grand Mardi Gras tradition!

2-9-10 Just for kicks, Moorestead (punter) and Hartley (kicker) ride a stiletto heel float!

When your team trails by 10-0 in the first half and they are playing the Indianapolis Colts, whose quarterback, Peyton Manning, is not only the stuff legends are made of, but is also a New Orleans native son, you start praying and singing. Yes, singing. You sing, “I believe. Oh I believe!” And then you do. You believe that your team is truly a team of destiny. Then, like a miracle, they are… because cornerback Tracy Porter has just executed the perfect Pick 6 to bring the team to a 14 point lead. The Colts never recover and the Saints never look back. The Saints and their fans look skyward, thanking heaven for this blessing.

2-9-10 The Saints Defensive Line, including Pick 6 Tracy Porter (#22)!

As Sean Payton’s float neared, an audible buzz morphed into a roar and war cry, “Who Dat! Who Dat!” The New Orleans Saints went into battle and brought home the ultimate prize: The Vince Lombardi trophy. Head Coach Sean Payton, who made some of the gutsiest calls in Super Bowl history, held the trophy high, waving it proudly. It wasn’t just for him; it wasn’t just for the team. The trophy was for a nation, the Who Dat Nation.

2-9-10 New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton triumphantly raises the hallowed Lombardi trophy in a salute to the fans

WHO DAT!!!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

2-8-10 Saints Super Bowl Champion Spirit in the Teacher's Lounge!

Friends:

Today was the 8th day of my Story Fest residency at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana, located in the Metro New Orleans area. On Sunday, the day before, the New Orleans Saints won a historic Super Bowl XLIV championship. As a result, half of the students and many of the teachers were absent from school. Eliana, my 9 year old daughter, didn’t have school so she accompanied me and was my little assistant all day long. It was wonderful to have her help!

2-8-10 Eliana poses with Saints Quarterback and Super Bowl XLIV MVP, Drew Brees

Our first class was Ms. Walker’s 5th grade class. It was definitely a skeleton crew but we rehearsed their story, “Paul Bunyan and the Great Popcorn Blizzard,” with Eliana filling in for missing storytellers. The 5th graders perform on stage on Wednesday. This has been a big week so I hope they are ready!

Then it was on to Ms. Guidry’s third grade class. They were model students today! I love the way their story, “The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking,” turned out. They added a lot of flair to the story, and I can’t wait to see their performance!

I had my first visit with Ms. Dorsey’s second grade class. They were so excited to see me! Ms. Dorsey told them that I was her favorite author and storyteller. Awwww! I shared the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach and then we explored world music with movement and scarves. What a fun time!

2-8-10 Ms. Dorsey's second grade class explore world music with scarves

I had a great time in Ms. Champagne’s PK special ed classroom. I told the story of “Rockin Three Billy Goats” and then we danced to jazz music.

2-8-10 Dianne dancing with Ms. Champagne's PK special ed

Then we rocked the room with the Saints’ Super Bowl song, “Party in the MIA.” Eliana danced up a storm with the students too!

Eliana had to leave her mark…

2-8-10 Eliana makes her mark - WHO DAT! Saints are the Super Bowl XLIV Champs!

During lunch, I caught one of the teachers dressed in a tutu… Oh, Ms. Vega, you must have been the Saints’ fairy godmother! LOL

2-8-10 4th grade teacher, Ms. Vega, is a Saints fairy godmother!

Then it was on to Ms. Avist’s first grade class. They were so excited to see me that they all ran to me for hugs. It was my second and final visit to their class. I told them the story of “Sody Sallyraytus” and they had a wonderful time!

2-8-10 Ms. Avist's first graders enjoy the story of Sody Sallyraytus

Ms. Glass’ third grade class was my last class of the day. For the third and final time, we rehearsed their story, “Turtle and Beaver’s Race.” They did a really great job and I love the way they have shaped their story. It’s going to be a great performance.

2-8-10 Ms. Glass' third grade story chorus rehearses Turtle and Beaver's Race

I have two half days left at Strehle. I see three more classes tomorrow and then on Wednesday, my upper grades (third, fourth and fifth) perform. I am excited to see the final product of their hard work.

Until next time… WHO DAT!

Warmly, Dianne

1-24-10 Black and Gold! Dianne in front of a gold Lamborghini

Friends:

Tonight, I witnessed history in the making! In a tight game against the Minnesota Vikings led by Brett Favre, the New Orleans Saints clinched an NFC championship in overtime. A superb 40 foot field goal kicked by Hartley gave the Saints a 31-28 victory. The Saints are Super Bowl bound!

1-24-10 Saints win NFC Championship - Super Bowl Bound!

As Will Smith sings, “Party in the city where the heat is on. All night in the streets till the break of dawn. Welcome to Miami. Bienvenido a Miami.” Never before in Saints history have they had the opportunity to play in the BIG GAME. Antonio, my husband, was in the dome and he said it was absolutely nuts. People were screaming, hugging, and crying. So we had to celebrate in the French Quarter with the rest of our city.

1-24-10 Who Dat Fans are Die Hards!

Even the New Orleans police were chanting over their P.A., “Who Dat! Who Dat!” It was unbelievable.

1-24-10 Even New Orleans Police yelling Who Dat! over P.A.

I have been on Bourbon during Mardi Gras but I have never seen the city like this! Not only was it wall-to-wall with fans, they were all spontaneously and simultaneously singing and chanting, “Who Dat! Who Dat!” and “Black and gold to da Super Bowl!”

1-24-10 Wall to Wall Who Dats on Bourbon

Fans showed their support with fun and crazy costumes, like these girls with bats. They were carrying bats, just like Reggie Bush did at the last game against the Cardinals.

1-24-10 Bringing out the We Believe Bats!

The Who Dat Nation went wild and showed their spirit in creative ways.

1-24-10 Ms. Fleur de Lis and Mr. Who Dat

This historic win even inspired dancing in the streets, with a band setting shop right on the sidewalk! Their jam created a traffic jam! Only in New Orleans…

1-24-10 A band rocks the sidewalk in the French Quarter

On Sunday, January 24, 2010, New Orleans was a city of celebration. It was a sweet, long-time-in-the-making victory. Our “Bless You Boys” are now Super Bowl bound. Just over 4 years ago, when Katrina hit, the New Orleans Superdome was a place of sorrow. Now, the Superdome is a place of joy. In two weeks, Brees meets Manning in Miami in a showdown of quarterback prowess, when the Saints play the Colts. The New Orleans Saints have to, in Drew Brees’ words, “Finish strong.”

1-24-10 Former Saints Quarterback, Bobby Hebert from WWL Radio, broadcasts from Deanie's Seafood restaurant in on Dumaine

But for now, we celebrate and do a victory dance! THE SAINTS ARE SUPER BOWL BOUND, BABY! WOO HOO!

1-24-10 A fleur de lis shows Saints spirit at Yo Mama's Bar and Grill in the French Quarter

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne