Eliana

6-9-10 Eliana is such a beauty!

Friends:

On June 9-10, 2010, Eliana and I toured in Natchitoches, Louisiana, promoting the Summer Reading Program, “Splash into Summer! Read!” Our first show was absolutely packed. It was so full that the library had to turn away a group because they wouldn’t fit. It’s a great problem to have though, right? Everyone wants in…

6-9-10 The Nachitoches Parish Library is packed solid for our first show!

Eliana and I began with a Hula called, “The Little Brown Girl.” We taught the Hula moves of the chorus to the audience so they could follow along. We did three shows over the course of two days.

6-9-10 Eliana and I demonstrate the moves for The Little Brown Girl

Then I told the story of “Maui Tames the Sun.” In my third show, I had such fun kids on stage. They really got into their roles and were so great!

6-10-10 Maui and his three strong brother lasso the Sun God

Eliana is always so cute when she dances Tahitian. I love her costume and so does the audience! They always say, “Ooh and aah!”

6-9-10 Eliana comes out in her Tahitian costume

We always end the show with a Hula in which everyone participates. We bring people on stage and no one is immune… LOL Eliana and I teach them “The Hukilau,” a traditional Hawaiian Hula that all children in Hawaii learn.

6-9-10 Yes, I will even solicit help from gentlemen in the audience!

Martha Uchino is the fabulous Children’s Services Coordinator of Natchitoches Parish Library. She brought us in and Martha is so much fun. I only wish we could have spent more time together! Thank you for having us, Martha! Arigato!

6-10-10 Martha Uchino, the Children's Services Coordinator for Natchitoches Parish Library, strikes a pose

After our last show, Eliana and I had time to tour Natchitoches. We ate at Lasyone’s, a restaurant famous for its meat pies. They were so good, we brought frozen ones home!

6-10-10 We dined at Lasyones and ate their famously delicious meat pies!

We shopped at Skippidy Doo Da and took a carriage tour through the town.

6-10-10 Eliana stands by Pat the Horse

Our guide, Nathan, was extremely knowledgeable about the town’s history and even threw in a few extras for me, telling me some of the local ghost lore. We rode in front of the library so I had to snap a photo!

6-10-10 Natchitoches Parish Library

He took us through the historic parts of Natchitoches and we even saw the house where the movie “Steel Magnolias” was filmed. It is now a bed and breakfast that welcomes guests.

6-10-10 The house used in the movie, Steel Magnolias

Eliana and I even saw some Natchitoches oddities! Check out this lawn “ornament!”

6-10-10 A rusted Rhino stands as front yard art at a house in Natchitoches

And this is what adorned the backyard! I felt like I was in the movie, “Jumanji!” hahaha

6-10-10 The coiled serpent is their backyard art

On Front Street in downtown Natchitoches, you can even rent a quadricycle and give yourself a tour through town!

6-10-10 Quadricycles for rent on Front Street in Natchitoches

The river that runs through Natchitoches is so pretty. Natchitoches is a quaint and quiet town during the summer. They are famous for their “Festival of Lights” celebration in December. The town has been featured on HGTV and the Travel Channel. Natchitoches is a charming little town. Stop by and see for yourself… And be sure to check out all the wonderful programs the library puts on every week during the summer!

6-10-10 A bayou runs into the Cane River in Natchitoches

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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