11-17-09 Dianne with Rachel Richards, Caroline Rios and Catherine Rios

Friends:

I had a wonderful visit with Southfield School in Shreveport, Louisiana. When I arrived at my hotel, there was an Edible Arrangement waiting for me in my hotel room from Jean Thomas, the Southfield School librarian. So sweet!

11-16-09 Edible Arrangement from Jean Thomas, Southfield School Librarian

I was the featured author for Southfield’s “Read Around the World” book fair. The bookfair was decorated by the students, who created magnificent paintings, vignettes, and sets.

11-17-09 Reading Around the World Book Fair at Southfield School, Shreveport

I just love Russia!!

11-17-09 Southfield School Visits Russia

For my first performance, I had the elementary students. I told The Cajun Cornbread Boy and “Anansi Shares Wisdom with the World.” We also sang “My Aunt Came Back.” For the upper grades, I told Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach and “The Ghostly Hitchhiker.” The students loved the performances.

11-17-09 The audience at Southfield School

After my shows, I was presented with a lovely gift from the Southfield School Book Co-Chairs, Rishea Richards and Victoria Rios. They are wonderful women and I am so fortunate to have been able to work with them and Jean Thomas, the librarian.

11-17-09 Dianne with Victoria Rios and Rishea Richards, co-chairs of Southfield School Book Fair

After a full day at school signing books, attending their preview and tea, Victoria and her husband, Julio Rios, invited me to dinner with the family. We ate a fantastic sushi dinner at Tokyo, where we were joined by Rishea and her daughter, Rachel. They are such wonderful people! After dinner, Victoria and her girls, Catherine and Caroline, invited me to their house. We visited for a long time. The Rios house is absolutely gorgeous.

11-17-09 Holiday Greeters in the Rios family foyer

Look at this stunning dining room, ready for the holidays! Victoria is a talented interior decorator!

11-17-09 The Rios family dining room tablescape

I didn’t get back to my hotel room until midnight! It was a full, fantastic day. Not only did I have a great time at Southfield, I made new friends and I can’t wait to see them again! Thank you so much Jean, Rishea and Victoria for a marvelous visit. It was phenomenal!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne