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

2-8-10 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

2-7-10 Saints Super Bowl sign by Soleil

Friends:

It is a historic day for the people of New Orleans and Louisiana. The New Orleans Saints won their first Super Bowl. They played the Indianapolis Colts and won the Super Bowl in a 31-17 upset. The Saints are the world champions! Who Dat!

My mom had a big Super Bowl party and the house was LOUD. Watching the game was a nail biter. The Saints began the game with a 10 point deficit. My husband, Antonio, partied in Miami without me. He was in the the stadium for this historic game, and took this picture.

2-7-10 Inside the Miami Sun Life Stadium during the game - taken on Antonio's Blackberry

During the last half, the Saints rallied, making two touchdowns, one of them an interception and 74 yard touchdown by cornerback Tracy Porter. That sealed the Colts’ fate. They were unable to put any more points on the scoreboard, leaving the Saints with a first-time NFL championship. 44 seconds left on the clock and the city began celebrating.

2-7-10 Drew Brees, Saints Quarterback , holds the Vince Lombardi trophy

Outside, people in the neighborhood were dancing in the streets, honking their car horns, and yelling “Who Dat!” to each other. You could hear music and even bands playing!! Neighbors hugged each other with tears streaming. It was certainly a joyous, momentous occasion, one we will never forget. This is truly a “REBIRTH” for New Orleans!

2-7-10 Drew Brees, Saints Quarterback and Super Bowl XLIV MVP

It’s a joyous time for The Who Dat Nation!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

1-24-10 Black and Gold! Dianne in front of a gold Lamborghini

Friends:

Tonight, I witnessed history in the making! In a tight game against the Minnesota Vikings led by Brett Favre, the New Orleans Saints clinched an NFC championship in overtime. A superb 40 foot field goal kicked by Hartley gave the Saints a 31-28 victory. The Saints are Super Bowl bound!

1-24-10 Saints win NFC Championship - Super Bowl Bound!

As Will Smith sings, “Party in the city where the heat is on. All night in the streets till the break of dawn. Welcome to Miami. Bienvenido a Miami.” Never before in Saints history have they had the opportunity to play in the BIG GAME. Antonio, my husband, was in the dome and he said it was absolutely nuts. People were screaming, hugging, and crying. So we had to celebrate in the French Quarter with the rest of our city.

1-24-10 Who Dat Fans are Die Hards!

Even the New Orleans police were chanting over their P.A., “Who Dat! Who Dat!” It was unbelievable.

1-24-10 Even New Orleans Police yelling Who Dat! over P.A.

I have been on Bourbon during Mardi Gras but I have never seen the city like this! Not only was it wall-to-wall with fans, they were all spontaneously and simultaneously singing and chanting, “Who Dat! Who Dat!” and “Black and gold to da Super Bowl!”

1-24-10 Wall to Wall Who Dats on Bourbon

Fans showed their support with fun and crazy costumes, like these girls with bats. They were carrying bats, just like Reggie Bush did at the last game against the Cardinals.

1-24-10 Bringing out the We Believe Bats!

The Who Dat Nation went wild and showed their spirit in creative ways.

1-24-10 Ms. Fleur de Lis and Mr. Who Dat

This historic win even inspired dancing in the streets, with a band setting shop right on the sidewalk! Their jam created a traffic jam! Only in New Orleans…

1-24-10 A band rocks the sidewalk in the French Quarter

On Sunday, January 24, 2010, New Orleans was a city of celebration. It was a sweet, long-time-in-the-making victory. Our “Bless You Boys” are now Super Bowl bound. Just over 4 years ago, when Katrina hit, the New Orleans Superdome was a place of sorrow. Now, the Superdome is a place of joy. In two weeks, Brees meets Manning in Miami in a showdown of quarterback prowess, when the Saints play the Colts. The New Orleans Saints have to, in Drew Brees’ words, “Finish strong.”

1-24-10 Former Saints Quarterback, Bobby Hebert from WWL Radio, broadcasts from Deanie's Seafood restaurant in on Dumaine

But for now, we celebrate and do a victory dance! THE SAINTS ARE SUPER BOWL BOUND, BABY! WOO HOO!

1-24-10 A fleur de lis shows Saints spirit at Yo Mama's Bar and Grill in the French Quarter

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne