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

6-21-09 Jackson Square, New Orleans at Sunset

Friends:

My cousin, Heidi, flew in from Arizona on Thursday, June 18, 2009. I haven’t seen her in 30 years so it was a momentous occasion. After picking her, we took her to Zea for dinner and then she saw the rest of the family – my mom, Clay, my brother, and his children.

6-19-09 My cousin, Heidi

She settled into her roomwhere I had fresh flowers, a candle, and a welcome basket waiting for her. Her bed was turned down every night with chocolates on the pillow and made up every morning. There was fresh coffee and continental breakfast in the morning.

6-18-09 The guest room for Heidi

On Friday, she had lunch with another friend. That evening, we went to my mom’s house for a Filipino Fiesta! Mom made lumpia, fried rice, pancit, chicken adobo, and pork adobo.

6-19-09 Filipino Fiesta! Ma sarap - talaga!

On Saturday, we took Heidi for her first drive-through Daiquiri experience. Then we gave her the “Katrina” tour of the 9th ward.

6-20-09 Flood Street intersecting Dorgenois in the 9th Ward, where my seamstress, Michelle, used to live

She was surprised by the amount of devastation still present, even 4 years later.

6-20-09 The 9th ward, still devastated 4 years later

There was some significant rebuilding, most notably, the Make It Right homes spearheaded by Brad Pitt. The houses are eco-friendly, hurricane friendlier, and made from recycled and reused materials. While beautiful, they are oddities in the neighborhood because their architecture is not “New Orleans.”

6-20-09 Make it Right House

After touring the 9th Ward, it was time to hit the town. I planned dinner at Muriel’s on Jackson Square and a night on Bourbon Street. Every first time visitor to New Orleans has to experience Bourbon at least once.

6-20-09 Tropical Isle on Bourbon Street, home of the famous Hand Grenade

There are some quintessential New Orleans sites a visitor has to see – here’s one – The Lucky Dog Stand!!

We stayed at the Hotel St. Ann Marie Antoinette on Conti Street, a half block from Bourbon. The building was old and the air conditioning did not work properly but the hotel staff (Thank you, Lloyd) took care of us. Here is a picture of Heidi and I before dinner at Muriel’s.

6-20-09 Dianne & Heidi going to Muriel's for dinner

Sunday was Father’s Day so we spent the day with my family. For breakfast, we ate at Carlos Mencia’s Suave restaurant. It was delicioso! Later, we met Mom and the krewe at Outback Steakhouse for Father’s Day dinner.

6-21-09 Heidi with my stepdad, Clay (left) and my brother, Gary (right)

After dinner, we ventured back into the French Quarter for more sightseeing with Mom and Clay.

6-21-09 Heidi in front of Jackson Square

Heidi oohed and ahhed over the architecture the day before, so I decided that we should go on a carriage ride through the Quarter. I took this next picture from the carriage – the statue of Joan of Arc, donated to New Orleans from our sister city of Orleans, France.

6-21-09 Joan of Arc Statue on Decatur Street

It was such a nice ride and our guide, John, was most accommodating.

6-21-09 Eliana with Ada the Mule from our carriage ride

Here’s a picture of Heidi with the family, in Jackson Square.

6-21-09 Clay, Mom, Eliana, Soleil and Heidi in the back

We ended the evening with beignets at Cafe Du Monde. Yum!

6-21-09 Cafe' Du Monde - Beignets & Cafe Ole'!

On Monday, we ate lunch at Grand Isle Restaurant on Fulton Street. It was a fabulous meal. Heidi had shrimp remoulade over fried green tomatoes. We stopped at the Piazza di Italia for a Kodak moment…

6-22-09 Eliana & Dianne at the gorgeous Piazza di Italia

While Heidi had a meeting with a client, I took Eliana to the Louisiana Children’s Museum. You can see Eliana’s pictures on her blog, ElianaCooks.com. Then we took Heidi on a tour of the Garden District, riding down the historic St. Charles Avenue.

6-22-09 St. Charles Streetcar

Heidi was amazed that two such different universities (Loyola and Tulane) stood beside each other. That’s New Orleans – everyone is a neighbor. Everyone is a friend.

6-22-09 Loyola University on St. Charles Avenue

Here is Heidi in front of a classic New Orleans shotgun house.

6-22-09 Heidi in front of a classic New Orleans shotgun house

On Monday night, we ate at my mom’s for some New Orleans classics – jambalaya, red beans & rice, crawfish & corn bisque, blackened chicken pasta, shrimp pasta, french bread, and bananas foster.

6-22-09 Louisiana Feast

So in Heidi’s four days in New Orleans, this is what she did:

1. Toured the French Quarter

2. Ate a shrimp po boy

2. Rode a carriage through the Quarter

3. Ate beignets at Cafe’ Du Monde

4. Saw Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral

5. Saw the famous “Cities of the Dead” cemeteries

6. Rode down St. Charles Avenue

7. Saw the St. Charles streetcar

8. Ate jambalaya, red beans & rice, crawfish & corn bisque, blackened chicken pasta, shrimp pasta, french bread, bananas foster and creole cream cheese icecream (all in one meal!)

9. Ate gumbo

10. Saw the Piazza di Italia

11. Saw the line at Mother’s (and decided not to eat there!) LOL

12. Experienced Bourbon Street

13. Toured the Katrina-devastated 9th Ward

14. Saw the Mississippi River and the Creole Queen, a paddle wheel boat

15. Ate at Muriel’s on Jackson Square

And in between all that, she hung out with my fabulous family! Heidi, I hope you had a good time, despite needing gills to breathe in our sultry city. Laissez les bon temps rouler – let the good times roll! Hugs, Heidi!

6-23-09 Heidi at the New Orleans Airport on her last morning in New Orleans. Farewell, Heidi!

Perhaps, dear reader, you will one day be my guest too.

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

Zulu spectators reach for beads 2-24-09

Friends:

Today was Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, in New Orleans. My family and I headed downtown around 11am with our friend, Willie, to catch Rex. We were going to our Grandstand spot on St. Charles and Poydras. We were not expecting to catch Zulu! It was an awesome surprise to see most of the Zulu floats. The parade, lucky for us, was running behind.

Zulu - Sheriff float 2-24-09

We dressed up as a family of pirates. Ahoy there, matey! Arrrgh!

Dianne and her pirate family (Soleil, Eliana & Antonio) 2-24-09

Our friend, Willie, was dressed as a king. All Hail King Willie!

King Willie 2-24-09

Zulu was named after the fiercest of the African tribes. What began as a spoof of the Rex parade has become a highly anticipated New Orleans tradition.

Zulu - Young Warriors float 2-24-09

Zulu’s theme was “Celebrating 100 Years as a New Orleans Tradition.” The parade had 35 floats and has1,200 male and female riders.

Zulu - Akosameb float 2-24-09

All the Zulu riders wear black and white face, regardless of their race. They throw a number of goodies including medallions and spears but the most highly sought after throw in all of carnival is the Zulu coconut. Each coconut is hand-painted and decorated by the Zulu krewe members. Mardi Gras revelers go crazy over Zulu coconuts. To receive the prized treasure, you must be close to the float because coconuts are not thrown, but handed to spectators.

Zulu - Postmaster General float with Egypt theme 2-24-09

The Zulu parade is a fun parade and marks the first of the signature parades that roll on Mardi Gras day.

Zulu - Griot float with Pat O'Brien's famous hurricane drink on front 2-24-09

After Zulu, it was time for Rex, King of Carnival. Rex is the symbol of the carnival season in New Orleans. The organization began in 1872 and created the Mardi Gras flag with the colors – purple (justice), green (faith) and gold (power). The krewe also invented the Mardi Gras doubloon, which has become a staple carnival throw.

Rex, King of Carnival float 2-24-09

Rex, King of Carnival, is toasted at Gallier Hall by Mayor of New Orleans. Rex’s identity is not revealed to the public until Mardi Gras day, when it is announced in the New Orleans Times-Picayune newspaper. Rex then stops further up the parade route (this year at the Grandstand at the Hotel Intercontinental) to toast his Queen.

Rex - Up close 2-24-09

This year’s theme was “Spirits of Spring,” with images of renewal and rebirth.

Rex - Throw Me Somethin, Mister! 2-24-09

The floats are rebuilt each year on wagon chassis with wooden spoke wheels. They are pulled by modern-day tractors.

Rex - The King's Jesters float 2-24-09

The Bouef Gras or Fat Ox represents the fattened meat before the Lenten season begins. The Bouef Gras is a traditional float in the Rex parade. Smoke pours forth from his nostrils.

Rex - The Bouef Gras float 2-24-09

Celebrating the city’s rebirth, Rex honors New Orleans with 24 floats that depict renewal and beginnings, 27 floats in all.

Rex - Spirits of Spring title float 2-24-09

Goddess Aphrodite’s shrine was located on Mount Eryx. One of her symbols, the Golden Honeycomb, was displayed in the temple erected in her honor. The temple’s priestesses were known as the melissae, or bees.

Rex - The Golden Honey Bees float 2-24-09

New Orleans has much in common with Venetian Carnavale, celebrating with masks, elaborate balls, and ending on Shrove Tuesday.

Rex - Venetian Carnavale float 2-24-09

Equinox means “equal night,” one of the two days each year when days and nights are nearly equal in length. The Spring Equinox is celebrated as the end of the long, cold winter and the beginning of the warmer, fertile growing season.

Rex - Vernal Equinox float 2-24-09

Poseidon was given dominion over the sea, the birthplace of life, when his parents divided the universe among their children. Poseidon is usually found with trident in his hand, riding in a chariot pulled by sea horses (the hippocampi), with dolphins at his side.

Rex - Poseidon float 2-24-09

Narcissus was a vain God. Many versions of his story exist. One says that a nymph, Echo, fell in love with him but he was so in love with his own reflection in a pool of water, that he ignored her. She pined away for him, echoing his name. Nemesis heard Echo’s prayers and then turned him into a flower doomed to stare at his own reflection forever.

Rex - Narcissus float 2-24-09

The Phoenix is a magnificent bird that lives for hundreds of years. It dies in flames, to be reborn again.

Rex - Phoenix float 2-24-09

This float is a recreation of one originally designed by Ceneilla Bower Alexander for the Rex Procession of 1914. As the winds of March announce the coming of Spring, the sprites and nymphs begin to awake from their Winter slumber.

Rex - Rhapsody of the March Wind float 2-24-09

The Streetcar Named Desire is one of New Orleans’ most famous streetcar lines. This permanent float honors that.

Rex - Streetcar Named Desire float 2-24-09

The calliope is a musical instrument that produces sound through whistles.

Rex - His Majesty's Royal Calliope float 2-24-09

In Aztec mythology this water Goddess was also associated birth and life.

Rex - Chalchiutlicue float 2-24-09

Freya, also known as Freyja, was a Nordic Goddess and leader of the Valkyries. She brought dead heroes to Valhalla. She flew over the earth, shaking Spring flowers from her blonde hair.

Rex - Freya, Nordic Spring Goddess float 2-24-09

The daughter of Demeter and Zeus, Persephone was abducted by Hades and taken to the Underworld. She eats six pomegranate seeds and has to spend six months with Hades. While Persephone is gone, Demeter grieves and keeps the earth barren. When Persephone returns, the earth comes back to life.

Rex - Persephone, Goddess of Spring 2-24-09

Also known as The Foliate Head, this symbol exists in many forms and in many cultures as a symbol of Spring and rebirth.

Rex - The Green Man 2-24-09

Celebrated in Valencia, Spain since the Middle Ages, this mid-Lenten festival culminates on March 19. Neighborhood groups compete in building fanciful figures of papier-mache and wax called ninots. They are set afire as the grand celebration draws to a close.

Rex - Las Fallas float 2-24-09

Ma-Ku is the Chinese Goddess of Springtime. According to legend, she took land from the sea and planted it with mulberry trees. Ma-Ku is also known as the Goddess of the Rain Cloud because Spring heralds the rainy season in China.

Rex - Ma-Ku, Chinese Goddess of Spring float 2-24-09

The butterfly symbolizes transformation and rebirth in many cultures. Her wings are the very symbol of Springtime.

Rex - Wings of Spring float 2-24-09

Zephyrus, the God of the West Wind, was the gentlest of winds. He was known as the messenger of Spring. Zephryus carried away the nymph, Chloris, making her the Goddess of Spring.

Rex - Zephyrus & Chloris float 2-24-09

The Greeks worshiped the Goddess Aphrodite. Doves lived in her temple. They would fly away each year. Aphrodite took the form of a Red Dove and led the returning doves. Aphrodite’s return to her temple officially ushered in Spring.

Rex - The Red Dove float 2-24-09

Bears fall in a deep slumber during the winter, hibernating. When they awaken, Spring has made her arrival.

Rex - Hibernating Bears float 2-24-09

The Royal Barge is one of Rex’s permanent floats. This float is the last remnant of the Royal Navy, boats carried on wagons that were part of the earliest Rex Processions.

Rex - The Royal Barge Float 2-24-09

Of course, no Rex parade would be complete without the Marching 100, the St. Aug (Augustine) band. Known for their theatrical dance moves, the band jazzes up the parade route annually, to throngs of adoring fans.

Rex - St. Aug Marching 100 2-24-09

The Citadel marches with precision.

Rex - The Citadel marches 2-24-09

Mardi Gras is a celebration like no other! If you haven’t been, please visit our fair city. The Fat Tuesday celebration is a time-honored tradition full of history and culture. Each parade is artfully created with gorgeous floats and a painstakingly-researched theme. The Mardi Gras krewes revere their traditions (many are generations old). In New Orleans, Mardi Gras is about celebrating with family and friends, as well as making mirth and merriment.

Here are Soleil and Eliana after the parade with throws around the neck and in the bag!

Soleil & Eliana the Pirates caught their treasures 2-24-09

The King’s jesters decided that it was time to return to the Castle…

The King's Jesters head back to the Castle 2-24-09

King Willie was lucky enough to meet Our Lady of the Gulf and Our Lady of the Swamp. LOL

King Willie with Our Lady of the Gulf (L) and Our Lady of the Swamp (R) 2-24-09

Come to New Orleans and live our rebirth! And always, laissez les bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Telling the Gigantic Sweet Potato to Ms. Anchissi's Kindergarten Class 2-20-09

Friends:

Friday began very early in the morning. I made my appearance on Good Morning New Orleans, the early morning news program on ABC-26 WGNO (see previous blog). Then I headed to Bissonet Plaza Elementary for Day 8 of my residency. Unfortunately, I ran into some serious traffic on the bridge that caused me to be late for school (for the first time ever!).

On my way to class, I was walking in front of the school when my boot heel got caught in a crack in the sidewalk. I felt myself falling. Immediately I dropped everything in my hands. My first thought was, “I cannot fall on the concrete!” So I flung myself into the grass. I fell so hard, my face and knees hit the grass. I had the wind knocked out of me and lay on the ground dazed for a couple of minutes. When I was able to compose myself, I walked slowly into school and to the library. The librarian, Ellen Miller, sent me to the office for some ice. My right eye turned red and the right side of my face began to welt. I felt bruises on my knees. The principal and the office staff were so kind to me, nursing me and asking if I needed to go to the doctor. After sitting for half an hour, I felt okay and really wanted to go to class. I missed my first class with Ms. Chieffo’s second graders.

I headed into kindergarten to tell “The Gigantic Sweet Potato” to Ms. Anchissi’s class. They enjoyed the story and we danced with scarves to Mardi Gras jazz music.

Then I headed to Mr. Boone’s third grade class. They were ready for me! There were cheers and hugs as soon as I entered the room.

Ms. Dianne & Mr. Boone, 3rd grade teacher 2-20-09

I love Mr. Boone and his class. This class had already rehearsed and they were ready to show me that they knew their parts without their scripts! It was amazing!

Mr. Boone's 3rd grade storytellers rehearse Jackie Rabbit without their script! 2-20-09

Mr. Boone’s third grade story chorus was equally fantastic. They did a phenomenal job with their part, really spicing up the story.

Mr. Boone's 3rd grade story chorus gets down 2-20-09

Afterward, we had some time to have a little fun. They listened to some of my songs and stories on my website. They really loved “Peanut Butter and Jelly Jam!” Thank you, Mr. Boone’s class. You rock!

After lunch, it was on to pre-k. Since I missed the second graders earlier in the day, we readjusted the schedule and combined my last two classes, which were pre-k, into one class, leaving last period open for my second grade class. I went into Ms. Muller’s room and Ms. Leboutillier’s class joined us. It was a lot of fun having such energetic students all in one space. We had fun singing and learning some of my “Settle Downs.”

Ms. Dianne does a "Settle Down" with 2 preschool classes 2-20-09

We ended a little early so that we could all see the third grade Mardi Gras parade of shoe box floats. The third grade shoe box floats each represented a U.S. state. It was a great parade!

The third graders have a Mardi Gras shoe box float parade 2-20-09

My last class was Ms. Chieffo’s second grade class. I told “The Gigantic Sweet Potato” and then did my “Pile It on the Pie a Mile High” song game. We had a blast. Afterward, we had time for a Q&A and they wanted to know so much about my travels and writing books. Everyone was in the Mardi Gras spirit, including these second graders! Too cute!

Ms. Chieffo's 2nd graders pose with their handmade Mardi Gras masks 2-20-09

Happy Mardi Gras, Bissonet Plaza Elementary! Laissez les bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Ms. Lemoine's first graders listen intently to The Gigantic Sweet Potato 2-19-09

Friends:

Today was Day 7 of my Louisiana Story Fest residency at Bissonet Plaza Elementary. My first stop was Ms. Lemoine’s first grade class. They were excited to see me. They had a great time participating in my story, “The Gigantic Sweet Potato.” Afterward, we explored Louisiana’s jazz music, dancing to the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Marcia Ball.

Ms. Lemoine's first graders shake their scarves to brass band jazz 2-19-09

We even second-lined around the room. After all, it is carnival season! Thank you, Ms. Lemoine for taking such fabulous pictures. I love Ms. Lemoine. She is lots of fun and always so stylish!

Ms. Dianne leads Ms. Lemoine's first graders in a second line

Then it was on to Ms. Vizzini’s second grade class. They are well-mannered and sweet children. After listening to “The Gigantic Sweet Potato,” we danced to jazz music, playing the horns and piano.

Ms. Vizzini's second graders are a rainbow of jazzy colors!

Next, it was time for Ms. Bonnano’s kindergarten class. When I walked into the room, they received me like a rock star! The children rushed and tackled me with hugs. It’s nice to be loved so much but I certainly didn’t want anyone getting hurt. The children were so excited about my visit that it took a little while to settle them down but once they quieted down, they were a perfect story audience. Dancing to jazz music excited them again and we had fun getting down!

Ms. Bonnano's dance to jazz music 2-19-09

After kindergarten, it was upstairs to Ms. Massa’s third grade class. Again, the students were so excited to see me. We rehearsed their story, “Petite Pouce.” The story chorus did a phenomenal job putting their part together with rhythm, movement, and scarves.

Ms. Massa's 3rd grade story chorus performs 2-19-09

The storytellers also did a nice job and we rehearsed the entire story so quickly that we had extra time before lunch to have a Q&A session. Students always have such interesting questions – they wanted to know how I “became famous” and what places I have visited.

Ms. Massa's third grade storytellers prepare 2-19-09

After lunch, I was in Ms. Naugle’s fourth grade class. What a pleasant surprise to enter the class and find out that they had already done a run-through of the script. The story chorus didn’t need much coaching on the rhythm part of their song. We added a lot of spice to the story (”The Cajun Cornbread Boy”) by having the chorus chime in during different times throughout the story. It’s going to be so cool to see them perform.

Ms. Naugles fourth grade story chorus sings The Cajun Cornbread Boy

The storytellers worked very well with the story chorus. Ms. Naugle’s class is accustomed to performances so I know they are going to shine on show day! (Ms. Naugle, your class did a terrific job while you were out. I can’t wait for you to see what they baked!)

Ms. Naugles fourth graders rehearse 2-19-09

My last class of the day was Ms. Brumfield’s 5th grade class. They were wonderfully quiet and ready when I arrived in class. Fifth graders are naturally reticent when put on the spot, especially when it comes to performing in front of their peers. This group was no exception. My story chorus was, at first, rather reluctant but I was finally able to pull out some wonderful creativity. Their parts came out fantastic!

Ms. Brumfield's 5th grade story chorus raps 2-19-09

The storytellers, on the other hand, were ready and willing participants. They were expressive and dramatic, which added so much character to their story (”Elephant and Snake”). They projected their voices and added vocal variety to their parts. I was so impressed. They are, frankly, some of the best storytellers I have seen. This was quite a turn-around from last week! I love seeing children fulfill their incredible potential! I look forward to seeing this group perform their story. It’s going to be fantastic.

Ms. Brumfield's fifth grade storytellers rehearse The Elephant and the Snake 2-19-09

It was another wonderful day at school. I love just days like these, when you see students being all they can be. Yay! I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

I have to get to bed earlier tonight. In the morning, I will be a guest on the news showGood Morning New Orleans at 6:15 a.m. on WGNO ABC-26. I am looking forward to it!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Ms. Duhe's first graders are a musical rainbow 2-19-09

Friends:

Today was such a wonderful day at school. It started out in Ms. Duhe’s first grade class. The students enjoyed the story of “The Gigantic Sweet Potato” and my song game “Pile it on the Pie.” Afterwards, we danced with scarves to the jazzy sounds of The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Marcia Ball.

Ms. Duhe's first graders play the horns in a jazz band 2-18-09

After first grade, I traveled upstairs to see Ms. Leblanc’s second graders. They are such a wonderful, polite class. After telling “The Gigantic Sweet Potato” and playing my song game, we explored Louisiana’s jazz music.

Ms. Leblanc's second graders get into the jazz spirit 2-18-09

My third class was Ms. Hahn’s kindergarten. Ms. Hahn was not there but the children were well-managed by the student teacher, Ms. Kelly. They loved the story – even the ESL children participated in the chorus.

Ms. Hahna's Kindergarteners listen to the Gigantic Sweet Potato 2-18-09

Then we got up and danced to jazz music.

Kindergartenersplay the horns 2-18-09

After hugs from my kindergarteners at the end, it was time to move upstairs to Ms. Arnett’s third grade. At first, the class had a difficult time focusing. When negative energy was removed from the room, it seemed as though a magical transformation had taken place. The students worked together to create a wonderful story chorus full of rhythm and fun moves. They were so cute!

Ms. Arnett's third grade story chorus rehearses 2-18-09

The third grade storytellers performed their pieces beautifully.

Ms. Arnett's third grade storytellers rehearse Take Care of My Cabbage 2-18-09

After lunch, it was time for Ms. Morrow’s fourth grade class. They had a surprise for me when I came to the room! Their story is “Poucette – Tom Thumb.” Several of the students created little Poucette’s on their fingers and one of the students had a sweet message on her hand.

Ms. Morrow's 4th graders are Ms. Dianne's groupies! LOL 2-18-09

I love Ms. Morrow’s class. They are always so cooperative and creative. They worked together almost effortlessly to create one of the best story choruses I have seen since I’ve been teaching this! Not only did they create a cool rap for their chorus, they also integrated intricate AND energetic dance moves punctuated with the colorful scarves. They were awesome!

Ms. Morrow's fourth grade story chorus in motion! 2-18-09

The storytellers did an equally nice job, projecting their voices and add movement to their roles. Several of the storytellers even worked without their scripts. It was so wonderful to see the story of “Poucette – Tom Thumb,” a Louisiana folktale, come together like this.

Ms. Morrow's fourth grade storytellers rehearse Poucette - Tom Thumb 2-18-09

Ms. Morrow and her students thanked me for coming to their class. My visit to their class was definitely a highlight for me.

It was on to Ms. McLeod’s 5th grade class. After some prodding, the students worked together to create a fun rap out of the story chorus. They are performing my story, “The Gigantic Sweet Potato,” and they did a terrific job. I love the story chorus, which is rapped and full of movement.

Ms. McLeod's 5th grade story chorus raps 2-18-09

The storytellers worked quickly and did a great job. Although it was a short class period, we were able to rehearse the entire story.

Ms. McLeod's 5th grade storytellers rehearse The Gigantic Sweet Potato 2-18-09

I couldn’t have asked for a better day! All my classes earned an A+! Thank you so much, Bissonet students. I hope to see more of the same tomorrow!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne