1-28-10 Ms. Clausing's kindergarten class delights in the story, Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach!

Friends:

Today was my fourth day in residency at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana, doing my Story Fest story theater activities. It was Pajama Day and teacher and students were dressed in the cutest jammies! My first class was a special ed Pre-K class. I told the story of “Mr. Wiggle and Mr. Waggle” and did movement with scarves to world music. They did very well, moving to the music with their scarves.

1-28-10 Working with Ms. Davis' PK Special Ed

My next class was Ms. Jones’ kindergarten class. The kindergarteners loved the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. They were singing and dancing to the song and had a blast. Afterwards, we explored world music through scarves. It was a fun visit. I love the wonderment of the children when they are that young!

1-28-10 Telling Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach to Ms. Jones' kindergarten class

When I arrived at my next kindergarten class, Ms. Clausing’s little students were sitting on the carpet, criss cross applesauce, waiting for me. They were so quiet – until I started telling Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. They loved Madame Poulet’s voice and antics. They laughted themselves silly. Then we danced with the scarves.

1-28-10 Ms. Clausing's kindergarten class dances La Morenada, creating butterflies, with scarves

Next, it was on to fifth grade to see Ms. Williams’ students. The students rehearsed their story, “The Lion and the Mouse.” It took a while to figure out a beat for the story chorus, but once they did, it was great. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and were unable to rehearse the story in its entirety. Fortunately, I have another visit with their class scheduled for next week.

1-28-10 Ms. Williams' 4th grade storytellers rehears their part

After lunch, I visited Ms. Mauer’s first grade class for the second time. As soon as I walked in, they said, “Mr. Roach” in that “roachy” sounding voice. This time, I told the story of Sody Sallyraytus and they loved it. We culminated with creative movement and dance to jazz music. Talk about a good time!

1-28-10 Ms. Mauer's class dances with scarves

Then it was on to Ms. Till’s class. The class is very large and very chatty. Today, they were really into talking amongst themselves in little groups and it was a challenge to settle them down. There are some self-control issues and I had to send one of the girls outside in the hall to “check” her attitude. When we finally were able to work, the class did a good job coming up with a fun story chorus and beat for their rap. There are a lot of creative students in Ms. Till’s class; they just lack self-discipline. With a firm hand, I was able to guide them through the entire story. It still needs to be polished. Thank goodness we have another class visit before our performance. I did have some outstanding students in the class – storytellers who learned their parts by heart. There were 2 boys and a girl. I gave them a special treat: an autographed bookmark.

1-28-10 A student in Ms. Till's third grade tells his part of the story without his script

My final class of the day was Ms. Johnson’s third grade class. When I walked into the room, the students were in their seats with their scripts on their desks, ready to work. It was such a pleasure working with this group of students. The last time I went into their class, they were a little rambunctious. But this time, they were so different! They were a model class. Four of the boys told me that they worked together outside of class to create a dance for the story chorus. It was awesome and I am so excited about what this class is going to do! There is expressive storytelling, rapping, a beat, and a fully choreographed routine. While I guided the students, they really came up with all the ideas. It was a delight to end my day in Ms. Johnson’s class. To reward them for their good work, I gave them all Madame Poulet bookmarks. Thank you, Ms. Johnson’s class, for this happy grin I am wearing today! You did a phenomenal job!

1-28-10 The story chorus in Ms. Johson's 3rd grade class POPS!

I am off on Friday and Monday. I was supposed to be taking a trip to New York for a conference. Circumstances changed and I am not going. However, I am taking a professional development class on Saturday in New Orleans. I look forward to returning to Strehle. The students and staff of Strehle are so wonderful. I love working with this school!

1-28-10 Ms. Creecy's 4th graders take time for a group pajama picture

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

1-20-10 A teacher works with students to depict a Mardi Gras scene with masked revelers

Friends:

Today, I visited Quitman Upper Elementary. It was such a fun day! I did three Story Fest story theater workshops and a professional development workshop for the teachers at the end of the day.

1-20-10 4th & 5th grade portraying a mechanic fixing his car

My first and second assemblies consisted of 4th and 5th graders. I spoke to them about my method of story theater and explained that we would be doing role playing exercises to warm up. They did such an incredible job with their individual, partner and group exercises.

1-20-10 Monkeys climb a tree while hungry lions wait at the bottom

When I asked the students questions about what they learned from the Story Fest activity, a 4th grade girl named Jaden, responded, “You are never too old or too young to use your imagination.” I couldn’t have said it better myself, Jaden!

1-20-10 4th & 5th grade students portraying a king on a Mardi Gras float with parade revelers

With the third grade, I performed Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach in an assembly program. It was one of the most lively, interactive performances I have ever had of this story. When the roaches danced, the students not only sang, but added additional beats, creating an awesome hip hop rhythm for the story. It was incredible!

1-20-10 Dianne sneaks up on an unsuspecting teacher during Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach

After the story, I moved the 3rd grade group out to the gym floor and performed story theater exercises with them. It was well received. They had a blast!

1-20-10 A 3rd grade teacher works with a student portraying a mechanic fixing his car

My day ended with a professional development workshop with the teachers. Though most of them had seen Story Fest in action with their students, I gave them different roles to act out.

Then they rehearsed and performed a story theater piece: “The City Mouse and the Country Mouse. It was so cute and full of animated storytellers, a rhythmic chorus, scarves, and rhythm instruments.

1-20-10 Teachers perform story theater - The City Mouse and the Country Mouse

Quitman Upper Elementary loves integrating the arts. Just look at this gorgeous mural in the front office!

1-20-10 Quitman Upper Elementary front office mural - Wow!

I really enjoyed visiting the school. They had wonderful teachers, students and staff. Thank you to Tara Tucker, Amy Johnson, and Mr. Kelly for making my day superb! I loved my Mississippi school visits!

1-20-10 A MAC art project - The Mississippi State Seal made with natural materials

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

1-19-10 Performing for Quitman Lower Elementary 1st & 2nd grades

Friends:

Today I had the privilege of doing a school visit and a professional development workshop for Quitman Lower Elementary in Quitman, MS.

Angie Ledbetter, the Assistant Principal, was my contact person. My GPS misguided me to the wrong side of town and I called Angie on her cell phone in a panic. She was sweet and guided me in and greeted me upon my arrival. She told me that Carol Satterfield, a teacher and big “Fan of Dianne,” drove all the way from North Mississippi to see me and was spending the day at the school. How cool is that?!

Right before my first show, the Principal, Mr. Bounds, greeted me, welcomed me to the school, and introduced me to the students. I performed 2 shows. The first show was for pre-K and K. The second was for 1st and 2nd grades. It was so much fun and the students had a blast!

After my second show, Angie and another teacher, Tootsie, took me to lunch. We ate at a local restaurant, Skidmore’s Old Tyme Butcher Shop and Grill. They served delicious hot plates. I had fried chicken, cornbread, mac and cheese, green beans and peach cobbler. Talk about a Southern cooked meal!

1-19-10 Skidmore's Ole Tyme Butcher Shop and Grill in Quitman, MS

Lunch was so much fun. We laughed and laughed. Everyone that walked in the door could have been a book character! When we were finished eating, Tootsie said, “Now we have to clean our table and scrape off our plates.” It was like a flashback to junior high. So I took my dishes to the slop bucket and scraped off my plate. There was a big sign above the table where the bin for the dirty dishes was. It said, “Please do not throw your metal forks into the trash.”

Then Tootsie told me to read the fine print. Underneath that it said, “Throw away your spit cup please.” I’m not making this up! Better be careful… The white styrofoam cup you think is your drink might actually be someone’s spit cup! Eeeew. Of course, I HAD to take a picture!

1-19-10 Throw away your spit cup sign in Ole Tyme Butcher Shop restaurant in Quitman, MS

After lunch, we went back to school and I took a tour down the halls. The schools is one that really works to integrate the arts and the walls show it! There was art everywhere!

1-19-10 Students study Pointillism at Quitman Lower Elementary

A “Learning is Fun” attitude permeates the school’s atmosphere, from the administration to the staff to students. Quitman Lower Elementary’s teachers are enthusiastic and committed to their classrooms.

1-19-10 Learning is Fun mural in Quitman Lower Elementary

In the afternoon, the teachers came into the multipurpose room for my Story Fest workshop. It was so much fun sharing my signature story theater techniques with them. They were such great participants!

1-19-10 Teachers in Story Fest Workshop portraying a monkey swinging in the trees

They really embraced the story theater warm-up exercises, including Mr. Bounds, the school’s principal!

1-19-10 Mr. Bounds, Quitman Lower Elementary Principal, plays an old woman

I enjoyed their energy and willingness to step out of their comfort zones.

1-19-10 A lion and lioness coming out of a cave

When we were finished with the warm-up exercises, I divided the group in half and they created their own story theater. One group performed “The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking.”

The other group performed my brand new story theater script, adapted from my new book, Mama’s Bayou.

1-19-10 Teachers performing Mama's Bayou Story Theater

Afterwards, I signed tons of books and gave all the teachers reading posters. Every student received bookmarks. I really enjoyed my day at Quitman Lower Elementary. Thank you so much, Angie Ledbetter, for inviting me to Quitman. I love you and your school!

Tomorrow, I spend the day at Quitman Upper Elementary. Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

9-24-09 Dianne & Roaches dancing

Friends:

In September, I did an author visit with an elementary school in Tennessee. Over the holidays, I received a big box of fan mail from the second, third, fourth, and fifth grades, about 300 letters. They were so much fun to read. I am going to send a letter back with a few goodies for the students. Here are highlights from my favorites:

“The book was especially great, but hearing and seeing the movements of the story in real life was better. That is all I have to say, Miss Dianne. Your friend, Ryan” – 3rd grade

“You were very funny. You need to go to every school! They would love to see you perform! Your Friend, Kristina” – 3rd grade

“I love the part when Madame Poulet ate Monsieur Roach. It was so funny, I nearly ran out of breath. Love, Tyler” – 4th grade

“You’re the greatest author in the world! When I was helping you, I felt like I was going to faint! Your friend, Kalita” – 4th grade

“You put a smile on my face when no one could. Then I went the rest of the day happy. Love, Kendra” – 4th grade

“I love you, Miss Dianne. I told my mom and family the story. They loved it so much that they made me tell it two times. Your best, Elizabeth” – 4th grade

“Thank you for coming. I’ve never met a real live author before! If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t know what it was about, because I didn’t buy a book. You’re pretty too. And how many years do you have to stay in college to be an author? I just want to know. But you’re really cool. If other authors came, and I had to pick a favorite, it would be you! You’re the best!!! Your friend, Courtney” – 4th grade

“Thank you for coming to see us. We loved your stories. We had a blast. You’re wonderful. I love your dancing and your song to get back at your brother. It was funny that you ate Ms. Pearson. Hope you come back. Your friend, Britney” – 4th grade

“I’m your best friend, Madison. You know what?? You’re one of my BFFLs – Best Friends for Life!!! Thank you for coming to our school. Love your friend, Madison” – 4th grade (who drew a picture of me on a horse)

“I liked the part when you pretended to sneeze on my teacher. I almost laughed my brains out!!! Your friend, Colten” – 4th grade

“I had some friends that came and spent the night with me last weekend. I showed them your story and they loved it. When I went to their house, I showed their parents and they laughed to death. Your #1 Fan, Aliyah” - 4th grade

“You are the best author and storyteller. I think you should come again and tell us another story. If people don’t like your stories, they are crazy. Your fan, Christian” - 4th grade

“At first, I thought that it was going to be boring but it was not. It was pretty cool. Your book, Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach was one of the funniest books I have ever read. Your friend, Ethan” – 4th grade

“There’s a lot of roaches at my grandmother’s house so I will tell her to get a chicken. Yours truly, Nathan” - 4th grade

“Miss Dianne, you rock! Your stories spoke to me. Nobody is more creative than you. You’re so awesome that you have inspired me to write a book. You have inspired so many people with your books. Thanks, Savannah” - 5th grade

“Thank you very much. I liked it because it came from the heart. You didn’t make it up as you went. Your biggest fan, Lucas” – 5th grade

“I love your stories most of all. I have seen and heard a whole lot of authors in my 10 years of age but I don’t think I have ever heard anything like you before. Wait, I know I haven’t. I love your books so much and I wish I had enough money to buy all of your books. Sincerely, your most biggest fan ever, Sain” – 5th grade

“Thank you for coming. I really love your gorgice (gorgeous) eyes. You are really wonderful at telling stories. I wish you could come back and tell us more of your wonderful stories. Your Biggest Fan, Miranda” – 5th grade

“I really loved your book. It was amazing, funny, and a great children’s book. You are a great author and an amazing storyteller. I love the expressions you gave in your stories. They were hilarious. I also liked your song. It was great. It was a blessing to have you. Truly Yours, Sarah” – 5th grade

“I wasn’t here when you came but all my friends told me you were wonderful. I believe them and I think you were awesome. I think the book is genius. Yours truly, Christopher” – 5th grade

“Thank you for coming to my school. It was very nice of your to come from New Orleans, Louisiana all the way up to Tennessee. I really, really enjoyed Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach and the spooky story. As soon as I got home, I told my mother. She said, ‘I would like to hear that again.’ So thank you. Sincerely, Tanner P.S. You look very pretty” – 5th grade

“This is Caitlin, the girl who cheered for you. You were cool and a big bowl of fun too! I would like hear another one of your books! Your biggest fan, Caitlin” – 5th grade

These letters brought such a big smile to my face and left an indelible imprint on my heart. Thank you very much, Hillsboro Elementary! YOU rock!!

Until next time,

Warmly, Dianne

12-7-09 Making Bandana Man with Ms. Morrison's 4th graders

Friends:

Today I began a two-week residency at Bissonet Plaza Elementary in Metairie, Louisiana. This is my 9th year at Bissonet, and I look forward to my annual visit. Special thanks to Ellen Miller, Bissonet’s Librarian, for always inviting me back! This year, I am doing Handmade Tales with the students, teaching them the stories. At the end of the residency, students from each class will perform a tale.

My day began in 4th grade with Ms. Morrison’s class. I told them the story “Catching a Pest,” a story I created that uses the numbers 1 through 7 to depict a mouse. They loved it. Then I shared “Bandana Man,” a rendition of “Gingerbread Man,” created with a bandana. The students had so much fun learning how to make Bandana Man, though it was challenging.

12-7-09 Bandana Man in Ms. Morrison's 4th grade class

I then went to Ms. Naugle’s 4th grade class. They were working on a number of holiday projects, including these adorable cards!

12-7-09 Happy Holiday Cards from Ms. Naugle's 4th Grade Class

I told “Catching a Pest” and then taught them “Bandana Man.” They enjoyed the handmade tales and had a great time.

12-7-09 Ms. Naugle's 4th grade class creates Bandana Man

From 4th grade, I traveled downstairs to Ms. Hahn’s kindergarten class. They loved the story of “Catching a Pest” but were REALLY thrilled when I told “Papa’s Teepee,” a story that turn a coffee filter into a Native American teepee and then turns the teepee into a snowflake. I worked with them, helping them turn their coffee filters into snowflakes.

12-7-09 Working w Ms. Hahn's Kindergarten Class

After creating their snowflakes, we created a snow blizzard, turning the classroom into a “winter wonderland.” You should have seen the students’ faces as they floated their snowflakes!

12-7-09 Ms. Hahn's Kindergarten Class makes snowflakes!

After kindergarten, it was on to Ms. Presser’s second grade class. We did “Catching a Pest,” “Papa’s Teepee,” and I even had time to do a draw and tell story, “The Emperor’s Dragon.” All of the stories are from my book, Handmade Tales. The students were so well-behaved. I really enjoyed seeing them make their snowflakes float to the ground!

12-7-09 Ms. Presser's 2nd graders created snowfall

My next class was Ms. Duhe’s first grade class. They were so excited to see me that they cheered. So many of the students remember me from last year’s visit. In many cases, I see the students as they go from kindergarten to 5th grade. The children had fun doing the handmade tales.

12-7-09 A student in Ms. Duhe's 1st grade class creates a mouse using numbers

We hung their snowflakes from their display line. Wintry greetings from Ms. Duhe’s class!

12-7-09 Ms. Duhe's 1st graders' snowflakes

My final class was Ms. McLeod’s 5th grade reading class. The students were so excited to see me. It was such a warm welcome. We worked on “Catching a Pest” and “The Magic Star,” a cut and tell story. The star proved to be very challenging for the students. Consequently, I only took one picture!

12-7-09 A fifth grader creates the numbers mouse

It was a great day and I enjoyed being back at the school. It’s a challenge going up and down the stairs of the school with my sprained ankle still healing but the students helped me tremendously. Tomorrow is another full day! Six classes of joyous students.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

(Note: Students’ faces are obscured to protect their identities.)

10-29-09 Dianne de Las Casas & Sue Jicha, Dawes Librarian

Friends:

My day began with an assembly program for Grades 3-5. I did my spooky program, “Scared Silly,” since Halloween was just around the corner. The students loved it. My “Ghost of Mable Gable” was ever popular and the students were chanting the punch line all day long. Cool!

After my assembly, I went to Ms. Whisler’s 2nd grade TWI (Two Way Immersion) class. They listened to a story (”Sody Sallyraytus”), learned Zydeco, and did role playing exercises. Though the boys were a little reluctant, we still had fun.

10-29-09 Dancing Zydeco in Ms. Whisler's 2nd grade class

Ms. Whisler’s class loved the role playing drama activity. They were really good at portraying the various roles I gave them.

10-29-09 Acting as tables in Ms. Whisler's 2nd grade class

After Ms. Whisler’s class, I saw Ms. Shleker’s second graders. They were such a kind, cooperative group that exhibited exemplary teamwork and partnering skills. I even gave them a little treat and taught them Hula!

10-29-09 Telling a story in Ms. Schleker's 2nd grade class

Afterwards, the class treated me to a choral reading of two fun poems including “Igga Bigga,” which I love! What a fantastic class!

10-29-09 Ms. Schleker's 2nd graders are elephants

I met a phenomenal pumpkin carving artist, David Rotter, a Dawes parent and school helper. He brought Ms. Johnson, the super school secretary, a cool carved pumpkin! Wow!

10-29-09 David Rotter, a Dawes parent and visual artist, poses with his amazing carved pumpkin. He's a handsome fella, isn't he?! LOL

My day ended with an assembly program for grades K through 2. Again, I did my “Scared Silly” show and the students loved it. They even helped me on stage a couple of times! It was a blast!

Later that night, I had a performance and book signing at the Dawes Book Fair at Barnes & Noble.

10-30-09 Barnes & Noble performance small

The event was packed and I enjoyed myself immensely! It looked like the kids did too!

10-30-09 Madame Poulet Eats Roaches

After my performance, I signed lots of books. Thank you Dawes School for supporting the book fair night! And thank you to Juliet Bond for providing the photos from the Barnes & Noble event in Evanston!

10-30-09 Signing at Barnes & Noble

Until next time….

Warmly, Dianne

10-29-09 Students from Ms. Swanson's 1st grade TWI class dancing Zydeco

Friends:

Today was my third day at Dawes School. It was a wonderful day that started out in Ms. Swanson’s 1st grade TWI (Two Way Immersion) class. This was my second visit to the class so I told the story of “Sody Sallyraytus” and then explored Zydeco music through the use of scarves. Finally, we ended with a fun drama exercise in role playing. The students welcomed me enthusiastically into their class once again and we had a fantastic time.

My next period was free so I chilled in the library with Ms. Jicha. After that, I visited Ms. Weatherby and Ms. Gibert’s Kindergarten class. What a lovely group of children! Ms. Weatherby and Ms. Gibert were so sweet! I was offered a juice and an animal cracker snack. The children loved The Cajun Cornbread Boy and exploring jazz music through scarves. They were awesome!

10-29-09 Dianne telling story of The Cajun Cornbread Boy to Ms. Weathersby and Ms. Gibert's Kindergarten class

Finally, I visited Ms. Alvarez’s class for the second time. Again, the students loved the story and scarf activities. They were a very responsive and fun group to work with.

10-29-09 Dianne dancing Zydeco with student in Ms. Alvarez's class

After school, my friend, Juliet, and I,went to dinner and theater in downtown Chicago.

10-29-09 Downtown Chicago crossing the river

We ate at a fabulous restaurant called Sunda on Illnois street in the North River area. The Pan Asian food was absolutely divine. The executive chef, Rodelio Aglibot, is the brother of a friend of mine from high school, Ruby! Juliet and I were treated like royalty and had a phenomenal dinner. After dinner, we saw Jersey Boys, a marvelous Broadway play with a stellar cast and great music by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. We had so much fun!!

On our way home, we saw this huge spider attacking the side of a house!

10-29-09 Arachnophobia

It was another perfect day in Evanston and Chicago! I look forward to tomorrow – I have two Scared Silly assemblies at Dawes School. It will be a blast.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

10-26-09 Welcome to Dawes

Friends:

Today was my first day at Dawes School in Evanston, Illinois, where I am the storytelling/author in residence for grades K through 2. The visit was arranged by my good friend and Dawes parent, Juliet Bond, and the Dawes Librarian, Sue Jicha. Sue was such a sweetheart, facilitating my visit and making sure everything ran smoothly. Ms. Bradley, the principal, greeted me first thing in the morning, making me feel welcome at Dawes.

10-26-09 Dianne in the Dawes Library

My first class was Ms. Wilcinski’s kindergarten class. They were a sweet group of children and I had fun telling The Cajun Cornbread Boy and doing creative movement with scarves and jazz music.

10-26-09 Ms. Wilcinski's Kindergarten

Next, I went to Ms. Hamilton’s 1st grade classroom. They were sitting quietly and ready for me to start when I came in. We had a blast and the students really enjoyed the activity.

10-26-09 Ms. Hamilton's 1st grade

Then it was off to Ms. Shleker’s 2nd grade class. This group of energetic children were so participatory in my story and had a great time with the scarf activity. I found out that Ms. Shleker was involved in theater and she loved my jazz music. We had such a fun time!

10-26-09 Ms. Schleker's 2nd grade

After lunch, I visited Ms. Sovich’s 2nd grade class. Ms. Sovich is a singer and knew all the songs I played on the Jazz for Kids CD. I was so impressed. The students had a great time with the story as well as the music activity.

10-26-09 Ms. Sovich's 2nd grade

My last class was with Ms. Swanson’s 1st grade TWI (Two Way Immersion) class. the students are immersed in a Spanish language curriculum. I had the opportunity to speak some Spanish and the children were so much fun.

10-26-09 Telling a story in Ms. Swanson's TWI 1st grade

It was a wonderful first day. The teachers were so warm and welcoming and the students were very well-behaved and enthusiastic. I am totally looking forward to tomorrow!

10-26-09 Turtle Art at Dawes School

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

10-24-09 Dianne, Eliana & Fan

Friends:

I had the pleasure of being the storyteller at Terror on the Teche at the Shadows on the Teche Plantation in New Iberia, Louisiana. The event was sponsored by the Iberia Parish Library. Shadows on the Teche is an old plantation with its own graveyard! The spooky tales were on the grounds of the plantation. Too cool!

10-24-09 The audience at Terror on the Teche

I had a blast telling funny, spooky and creepy ghost stories. I was so excited to see my friend, Cheryl Robichaux and her little princess, Savannah. I met Cheryl’s husband and his children too. What a beautiful family! Savannah and Caroline came on stage to help me with some magic… “Bloop! I’m awesome!” (Those were the magic words that Caroline and the audience came up with. Too funny!)

10-24-09 Dianne on stage doing magic with Savannah and Caroline

Eliana, my 9 year old daughter, ran around, taking pictures. It was so dark and difficult to get really good pictures with my digital camera but here’s one of me telling a spooky story. Thank you so much, Eliana! You are wonderful and Mommy loves you!

10-24-09 Telling a spooky story

It was such a fun event and I can’t wait to do it again! Here is a picture of me and Eliana with Kristy Rose and Gail Garcia with the Iberia Parish Library. Gail is the director of the library system. They are such a marvelous team and afterwards, we ate at Duffy’s, a 50s diner in New Iberia with delicious diner dishes!

10-24-09 Kristy Rose, Dianne de Las Casas, Gail Garcia & Eliana

Before we left the grounds, Eliana said I had to take a picture of the graveyard. And what is that spooky orb in the picture? A ghost? Who knows…

10-24-09 The Graveyard at Shadows on the Teche Plantation

Eliana and I loved our brief but fun visit to New Iberia. Afterwards, I had to head back to New Orleans to catch a 6:15am flight to Chicago. Thank you to Gail, Kristy, Cheryl, Acadiana Lifestyles magazine, and everyone who came to Terror on the Teche. Have a spooktacular Halloween!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

10-23-09 Diva Witch Dianne & Judy Boyce as Max from Where the Wild Things Are

Friends:

Tonight, I had a spooktacular time at the West Baton Rouge Parish Library. Eliana, my 9 year old daughter accompanied me. She’s such an adorable little witch!

10-23-09 Eliana the Adorable Witch

The Monster Mash is an annual tradition at the West Baton Rouge Parish Library. Judy Boyce, the Youth Services Coordinator, asked me to participate this year. The Halloween festivities start at the West Baton Rouge Museum with a trick or treat. Then the trick or treaters, following the fire truck, parade to the library a few blocks away.

10-23-09 The Grand Monster Mash Parade

Eliana and I rode in the library van. Originally, we were supposed to ride in a convertible but the weather was too chilly. One of the firemen took a picture with me. I only knew him as “Big Daddy” because that’s what was on his t-shirt. LOL

10-23-09 Dianne & Big Daddy Fireman

After the parade, everyone went into the library for a cozy spooky storytelling session. It was so much fun.

10-23-09 Telling a spooky story

I even had the children participate with me, dancing and shaking dem bones! A special thank you to Eliana, who took all the performance pictures.

10-23-09 Dianne & kids shaking dem bones

It was a terror-ific time and I loved spooking in the stacks… Thank you to West Baton Rouge Parish Library — Beth, Judy and Jim. You guys rock! And thank you to all the trick or treaters who came to the event. It was monstrously marvelous!

10-23-09 Dianne the Diva Witch

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne