Mama's Bayou by Dianne de Las Casas, Illustrated by Holly Stone-Barker

Friends:

On Thursday, I appeared on ABC-26 Good Morning New Orleans with Holly Stone-Barker, illustrator of Mama’s Bayou. It was a very short three-minute segment but we talked the book, performed an excerpt, and talked about Holly’s art. It was short but we had a great time!

What was really interesting was waiting in the TV station break room with other guests. Holly and I met Trixie Minx, a burlesque dancer and owner of Fleur de Tease, a burlesque review.

3-4-10 Trixie Minx, Owner of Fleur de Tease Burlesque

Holly and I even got to try the feathers! All of this before 6 o’clock in the morning! LOL

3-4-10 Dianne & Holly with feathers at the ABC-26 TV studio

What a fun morning!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

2-27-10 Mama's Bayou Frogs Cake

Friends:

My Mama’s Bayou book launch party with Holly Stone-Barker was a smashing success! We had a beautiful cake made to look just like the frogs in our book, Mama’s Bayou. I also set out mini marshmallow frogs for the kids. So cute!

2-27-10 Holly & Dianne in front of the cake table

Judith Lafitte and Tom Lowenberg, owners of Octavia, were wonderful hosts. They rearranged the book store for our party and did a fantastic job! Thank you so much, Judith and Tom!

2-27-10 Dianne is a Judith Lafitte fan! Judith is co-owner of Octavia Books.

Eliana, my 9 year old daughter, dressed up as a gator. I made her cousins outfits with shirts that had the book’s images on them. They were so cute!

2-27-10 Eliana (gator girl on right) with her cousins

Holly set up a large story time magnet board made from one of the pages in our book. It’s so gorgeous!

2-27-10 Mama's Bayou giant story time magnet board

As I sang the story, the children put the animal magnets on their place in the bayou. It worked out so well and the kids loved it!

2-27-10 The children hold their magnets for the story time board

I played the tambourine and sang the story with hand motions. Eliana held the book and turned the pages. Holly managed the children with the placement of their animals on the magnet board. It was fun!

2-27-10 Dianne & Eliana demonstrate the story's motions

Here are the children doing the hand motions for the story.

2-27-10 The children participate in the story

When the story was finished, I sat on the floor with the children to watch Holly as she demonstrated how she creates her cut paper and collage art.

2-27-10 Dianne on the floor with the kids for Holly's demonstration

Holly did a wonderful demonstration and created a dragonfly! The children were fascinated, watching her put together the dragonfly.

2-27-10 Holly Stone-Barker demonstrates her cut paper and collage technique, creating a dragonfly from the book

After Holly’s demonstration, I showed everyone all the activities that were available with our book, all free and downloadable from the web http://www.storyconnection.net/?content=mamasBayou. Then we drew prizes. We gave away a book bag, a cookie sheet magnet board, a mama and baby frog plush set, and a giant stuffed mama and baby frog.

2-27-10 Drawing prizes!

All the children were given a packet of activity sheets and goody bags containing chocolate graham cracker bears, a “Bear Hugs” postcard, bookmark, hopping frog, and party blower. Then we served frogs, poured swamp juice, and signed books.

2-27-10 Holly & Dianne sign books for loyal fans, Jon & Jordyn!

It was a fantabulous day! Thank you to everyone who came to our book launch party. Special thanks to Nina, Katie, and Caitlin of Pelican Publishing for coming! Judith and Tom of Octavia, we couldn’t have done it without you! And of course, thank you to our loyal fans, friends, and family who always stick by us. We’ll stick “bayou” too!

Rock and read on the bayou!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

2-24-10 Eliana is a gator for Mama's Bayou BIG BASH book launch

Friends:

I have been very busy preparing for the launch of my newest children’s picture book, Mama’s Bayou, illustrated by Holly Stone-Barker. Holly and I are holding our launch party this Saturday, February 27, 2010 at Octavia Books in Uptown New Orleans at 1:30pm. It’s truly going to be a BIG BASH!

The BIG BASH book party will include lively storytelling with audience participation (by moi) and an art demonstration by Holly Stone-Barker. You are not going to want to miss what we have in store!

We will be serving gourmet cake (in the shape of the frogs in the book) and swamp juice. The children will be given reading posters, bookmarks, and bear hugs postcards that they can stamp and mail to a loved one in addition to some other treats in a goody bag. We will be giving away door prizes including a GIANT Mama Frog and her big baby frog. Look at all these frogs!

2-24-10 Frogs sit in the office waiting for the BIG BASH book launch

In addition, we are holding other BIG BASH book signings in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at Barnes & Noble Citiplace on March 5, 2010 at 7pm and in Thibodaux, Louisiana at Cherry Books on March 6, 2010 at 11am.

And of course, we will be personalizing books. Mama’s Bayou is a gorgeous book. Holly and I have worked very hard not only to create a book that grown-ups and children will read and love together, but we have downloadable activities available on our websites to enhance the reading fun. http://www.storyconnection.net/?content=mamasBayou

We hope to see you at our special events! It’s a BIG BASH on Mama’s Bayou and you don’t want to miss this party!!

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

2-12-10 TS Cooley's Mardi Gras Spirit

Friends:

On Friday, I visited T.S. Cooley Magnet Elementary School in Lake Charles, Louisiana. It was the Friday before Mardi Gras and the school was celebrating “Louisiana Day.” The school was decked out in Mardi Gras decorations and the students wore purple, green and gold.

I had two assemblies: one for K-2 and one for grades 3-5. First, it was the little ones. I told the story, “The Frog and the Cajun Princess,” a fractured tale and parody of “The Frog Prince.” Then, with help from audience members, I sang, “Thibodaux Lived Near the Bayou,” an adaptation of “Old McDonald Had a Farm.” I ended with Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. The kids were so much fun and they loved the stories.

My next assembly was for grades 3-5. I told the same stories except that I replaced the song with a string story, “The Pesky Skeeter” and a demonstration of a string star. The students were so enamored of the string figures that they began using their Mardi Gras beads to form the figures. So I did an impromptu instructional session. They loved it!

2-12-10 A student creates a star from Mardi Gras beads

Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach was also a big hit with the older grades. Afterwards, they told me how much fun they had and that I was the best storyteller they had ever seen. I love my job!

2-12-10 Students grades 3-5 take a picture with Dianne

After my school visit, I had the privilege of lunching with a friend and fellow writer, Cay Gibson. Cay is a columnist with the Lake Charles American Press newspaper and children’s literature expert. She took me to a fabulous local restaurant called Southern Spice. They had the best fried green beans I had ever tasted. Wow!

2-12-10 Dianne de Las Casas and Cay Gibson

Then Cay and I were lucky enough to meet a Mardi Gras queen, the queen of Krewe de La Maison in Lake Charles.

2-12-10 Dianne with the Queen of the Krewe de La Maison in Lake Charles

I really enjoyed my day in Lake Charles. Thank you so much to T.S. Cooley Magnet Elementary, Principal Fritzi Fralick, Renee’ Stump, and Cay Gibson for your hospitality! Laissez les bon temps rouler! Happy Nardi Gras!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

Today, I performed “Fairytale Fever” at Norco Elementary K-3 in Norco, Louisiana for their literacy week. It was so much fun and very interactive. I began with my original adaptation of “The Frog Prince,” a cute story in which an ugly princess falls in love with a warty old frog. Next, I did a song, “The Princess Pat,” bringing two students onto the stage to help. Then I did my “Goldie Locks Story Rap.” The students provide the beat by hitting their laps with their hands and clapping their hands together. I ended with a “spooky” story by request and told my ever popular, “The Ghost of Mabel Gable.” Both the teachers and the students fell over laughing. When I ended the show, the students clapped, cheered, whistled and yelled for more.

2-11-10 Norco Elementary K-3 audience

This is my second year at Norco and I enjoyed it so much. The students and teachers just love to have a good time. While the students were filing out, I played the Saints song, “Black and Gold to da Super Bowl!” and everyone started dancing, including the teachers. I gave every teacher a Cajun Cornbread Boy reading poster for their classrooms. What a great day!

Unfortunately, I had to drive to Lake Charles, Louisiana in horrendous weather conditions, through sleet and heavy rain but I made it to my hotel room safely. Tomorrow morning, I perform my Jambalaya program for T.S. Cooley Magnet school in Lake Charles. I love my job!

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

2-9-10 Ms. Dorsey's second graders love Sody Sallyraytus

Friends:

Today was my last day to visit classes at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana. It was a short day. I only had three classes. I began in Ms. Allison Hoadley’s second grade class. They were ecstatic to see me. Upon request by Ms. Hoadley, I told the story of The Cajun Cornbread Boy. Then, the students begged me to tell them a “Scared Silly” story so I shared “The Ghost of Mabel Gable.” With the lights dimmed, I told the spooktacularly hilarious tale. The kids loved it.

2-9-10 Ms. Hoadley's second grade class enjoys the story of The Ghost of Mable Gable

Next, I went to Ms. Carol Hoadley’s PK class. They enjoyed the story of “Sody Sallyraytus” for my second visit and then we second lined to Mardi Gras music around the room and into the hallway. It was a ton of fun!

2-9-10 Dianne second lines with Ms. Hoadley and her PK class

Finally, I visited Ms. Dorsey’s second grade class. I was greeted at the door with hugs and kisses by nearly the whole class! It’s such a good feeling to be loved! I shared the story of Sody Sallyraytus and the students loved it. Then I taught them about alliteration. Finally, we “whizzled” the words “Sody Sallyraytus.” We created new words out of a combination of letters from “Sody Sallyraytus.” The words had to be three letters or longer. Ms. Dorsey’s class came up with 46 words!!

2-9-10 Word Whizzling with Sody Sallyraytus

After my classes, I drew a name for the teacher basket raffle I do every year. Ann Craiggie, a paraprofessional, won the big basket filled with great goodies, including my book, The Cajun Cornbread Boy.

2-9-10 Ann Craiggie wins the teacher goody basket from Dianne

Tomorrow is my last day at Strehle. My uppper grades (third, fourth, and fifth) will perform for each other and the lower grades. It’s going to be so much fun! I look forward to it!

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

2-5-10 Ms. Glass third grade storytellers rehearse Turtle & Beaver's Race

Friends:

Friday was my 7th day at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana doing my Story Fest story theater residency. It was the Friday before the BIG GAME. The New Orleans Saints were playing in the Super Bowl and the whole school had team spirit!

2-5-10 It's Who Dat spirit at Strehle!

My day started in Ms. Giroir’s PK classroom. It was my second visit in the class and I told the story of “Sody Sallyraytus.” Then we explored creative movement with scarves to jazz music. Fun!

2-5-10 Dianne tells Sody Sallyraytus to Ms. Giroir's PK students

Then it was on to Ms. Robinson’s PK class, right next door. They were seated and waiting quietly for me. Boy, did we have a blast! It was my second visit there too and they loved the story of “Sody Sallyraytus.” Not only did we dance with scarves, but we also second-lined around the room!

2-5-10 Ms. Robinson's PK students enjoy storytelling!

Next, it was on to Ms. Clausing’s kindergarten class. The students had fun with the story and again, loved dancing with the scarves.

2-5-10 Ms. Clausing's Kindergarteners dance with scarves

My next class was Ms. Williams’ 5th grade homeroom but I followed the room number on my schedule and oops, I ended up in the wrong class. Fortunately, Ms. Williams’ students and I had time to rehearse their story, “The Lion and the Mouse.” It’s so cute. I can’t wait to see them perform it!

2-5-10 Ms. Williams' 5th grade storytellers all have Saints spirit!

After lunch, I had an unexpected break so I signed books for the teachers who placed an order. Then it was on to Ms. Landry’s class. Unfortunately, Ms. Landry had to attend a meeting and the class was uncharacteristically rambunctious. I had to admonish the class several times and try to maintain order. For the first time ever, I actually sent students to detention! It broke my heart but it had to be done. I was finally able to settle them down enough to go through one rehearsal of their story. I hope they are ready on performance day.

2-5-10 Ms. Landry's 4th grade story chorus

My last class was Ms. Glass’ third grade class. They did such a wonderful job with their story, “Turtle and Beaver’s Race.” It was a pleasure to work with them. I love what they did with their story chorus.

2-5-10 Ms. Glass third grade story chorus does a great job

At the end of the day, announcements came on. Over the speaker the office said, “We have only one announcement…” Then they played “Get Crunk,” the Saints’ touchdown song! Ms. Glass and her students began dancing. Then we all chanted, “Who Dat!” It was so much fun and a great way to end the day!!”

2-5-10 Strehle students stand up and Get Crunk! at the end of the day during afternoon announcements

I am nearing the end of my residency. One more full day to go and then two half days. My third, fourth and fifth graders perform on Tuesday and Wednesday for each other in grade level performances and for the lower grades. Fourth grade will perform for first grade. Fifth grade will perform for second grade. Third grade will perform for PK and kindergarten. I look forward to it.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne