Friends:

Friday was Day 5 of my Handmade Tales residency at Bissonet Plaza Elementary in Metairie, Louisiana. My first class was Ms. Morrison’s 4th grade class. I told the string story, “The Stubborn Turnip” and “The King’s Advisor.” Afterward, the students created 6 page books from the story. Then we rehearsed their story, “Catching a Pest,” a draw and tell story that two of the students will be performing during the gradewide Handmade Tales Story Fest next week.

12-11-09 A student in Ms. Morrison's 4th grade class performs Catching a Pest

Next, I went to Ms. Arnett’s 3rd grade class. I told “The Emperor’s Dragon,” “The Stubborn Turnip,” and “The King’s Advisor.” Then they made their books. They had a great time and loved the draw and tell story.

12-10-09 The Emperor's Dragon, drawn by a student in Ms. Arnett's 3rd grade class

I enjoyed visiting Ms. Hahn’s Kindergarten class. After telling “The Stubborn Turnip,” I told “The King’s Advisor” and we made the books from the story. Then they wrote and illustrated in their books. They were so cute!

12-10-09 Ms. Hahn's Kindergarten class creates books and become authors & illustrators

Then I visited Ms. Presser’s 2nd grade class. They loved the string story. Then I shared “The King’s Advisor” and they made the books from the story.

After lunch, it was on to Ms. Duhe’s class. They were enthralled with my string story, “The Stubborn Turnip.” Ms. Duhe absolutely loved the story, “The King’s Advisor,” a story that emphasizes the importance of books.

12-10-09 Ms. Duhe's 1st grade class creates books and become authors & illustrators

My last class was Ms. McLeod’s 5th grade class. On my way to class, some 5th graders from Ms. Brumfield’s class stopped me to show me that they had mastered their mosquito string story. A student, John, made strings from yarn and passed them out to his classmates and tutored them on how to make the string figure. I told the class that if at least ten students master the string story, they could keep the strings I let them use. They already have ten students on the list! Way to go, John!!

12-10-09 5th graders tutor each other to create the mosquito string figure

In Ms. McLeod’s class, I taught them how to create origami jumping frogs. They loved it!!

12-10-09 Ms. McLeod's 5th graders create a jumping origami frog

Then Ms. McLeod had the idea to have a frog jumping contest, just like they do every year in Rayne, Louisiana! All the students had a turn and it was so much fun!

12-10-09 Ms. McLeod's 5th graders have a frog jumping contest

Ms. McLeod’s class is performing the story, “The Magic Star.” Several of them mastered the fold and cut star and showed me their skills. 5th grade has been such a pleasure to teach this year!

12-10-09 Peace, love & happiness from 5th grade!

Thanks for a great day, Bissonet! See you on Monday!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

12-10-09 Dianne de Las Casas and Santa Claus

Friends:

Today was my fourth day at Bissonet Plaza Elementary in Metairie, Louisiana. I am in the midst of an arts-in-education residency, teaching grades K-5 handmade tales from my book, Handmade Tales.

When I first arrived at school, I came in through the back door of the library. Every day, I put my lunch in the library refrigerator located in a small room at the back of the library. The room has curtains for “doors.” When I parted the curtain to enter the room, was I surprised! I caught Santa getting dressed! Was I embarrassed! He was getting dressed for Santa pictures. Jolly Old St. Nick had a sense of humor and was kind enough to let me take a picture of him.

12-10-09 My accidental meeting with Santa

My first class was Ms. Morales’ cool 4th grade class. They cheered when I walked through the door. I taught them “Catching a Pest” and then we did the story, “April Showers.”

12-10-09 A talented student creates a flower in Ms. Morales' 4th grade class

The story turns a sheet of paper into a curtained window, a raindrop, a flower, and finally, a ladybug. It was so cool seeing the students transform their sheets of construction paper. Thanks for a great time, Ms. Morales’ class!

12-10-09 A student from Ms. Morales' 4th grade class makes a ladybug from the story, April Showers

Next, I traipsed over to Mr. Boone’s 3rd grade class. Mr. Boone is such a fun teacher and his students were ready for my visit. After the draw and tell tale, I taught the class the story, “Mr. Wiggle and Mr. Waggle,” a story that uses only the hands. It’s such a cute tale. They loved the story and enjoyed telling it together.

12-10-09 Students from Mr. Boone's 3rd grade class learning Mr. Wiggle and Mr. Waggle

After Mr. Boone’s class, it was on to Ms. Johnson’s kindergarten class. I told “Catching a Pest” and “Papa’s Teepee,” a cut and tell that turns a coffee filter into a teepee and then into a snowflake. They loved creating their fabulous snowflakes!

12-10-09 Ms. Johnson's Kindergarten class creates snowflakes

Ms. Vizzini’s 2nd grade class was next. I taught them how to draw a mouse using the numbers 1 through 7 in the story, “Catching a Pest.” They were awed at how the numbers formed a picture.

12-10-09 Drawing Catching a Pest in Ms. Vizzini's 2nd grade class

Then they cut their snowflakes and had a ton of fun making a snow blizzard!

12-10-09 Snowflakes float in Ms. Vizzini's 2nd grade class

After lunch, I visited Ms. Lemoine’s 1st grade class. It was fun working with her group and they adored the snowflake activity! I got lots of hugs from Ms. Lemoine’s 1st graders. So cute!

12-10-09 Snowflakes float in Ms. Vizzini's 2nd grade class

My last class was two combined Pre-K classes. I told “Bandana Man,” and “The Pesky Skeeter” and “The Stubborn Turnip” with string. They had a ball!

12-10-09 Dianne uses a bandana to portray an old woman in Bandana Man for Pre-K

The Pre-K class practically mobbed me with hugs when I was finished. They are a loving bunch.

12-10-09 Dianne (way in the back) with the Pre-K classes

It was a great day and I look forward to Friday! After school, I have to head to Baton Rouge for a book signing at Barnes & Noble Citiplace at 7:00pm. It should be fun!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Note: The students’ faces are obscured to protect their identities.

12-9-09 Students from Ms. Morrow's Class perform The Frog and the Ox with balloons

Friends:

My day began with Ms. Morrow’s lively 4th grade class. They all cheered when I walked into the room. All the students remembered me from my previous years there. We did the draw-and-tell tale, “Catching a Pest.” It was a fun time with Ms. Morrow and her class! I look forward to seeing them perform “The Frog and the Ox” on performance day.

12-9-09 Students from Ms. Morrow's 4th Gr. Class drawing Catching a Pest

My second class was Ms. Frechette’s 3rd grade class. After teaching them “Catching a Pest,” I told them the story of “The Ugly Duckling” using towels. I let them practice using bandanas. It was a blast.

Afterward, I chose some students from Ms. Frechette’s class to perform “The Ugly Duckling” using the towels. The entire class participated in the story and it came out so cute. I can’t wait to see it on performance day.

There was a mix-up in the schedule so Pre-K had to be rescheduled for Thursday. It was then on to Ms. Chieffo’s 2nd grade class. They learned “Catching a Pest” and then made the snowflake from the story “Papa’s Teepee.” Seeing the snowflakes fall to the ground never gets old for me!

12-9-09 Ms. Chieffo's 2nd grade class creates a snow blizzard

After lunch, I headed to Ms. Tonguis’ 1st grade class. She is a new teacher at Bissonet and I really enjoyed her personality and being in her class! First, we made the mouse with the numbers 1 through 7 from the story, “Catching a Pest.”

12-9-09 A mouse made with the numbers 1-7 by a student in Ms. Tonguis' 1st grade class

Then I told “Papa’s Teepee,” turning a coffee filter from a teepee into a snowflake. The students in Ms. Tonguis’ class had a blast with their snowflakes. They were adorable!

12-9-09 Ms. Tonguis' 1st grade class loved making their coffee filter snowflakes

My last class was Ms. Brumfield’s 5th grade class. They were excited to see me and we did the draw-and-tell followed by teaching them “The Pesky Skeeter,” an original short story made with string. The string figure was a challenge for them but by the end of class, several of the students had mastered the string. They can’t wait to do it again. I issued them a challenge. The next time I return to class, if 10 students master the mosquito string figure, then they get to keep their strings. I love seeing their faces when they master the skill and see the string transform!!

12-9-09 Students from Ms. Brumfield's 5th Gr. Class create a mosquito from string

It was a great day at Bissonet! Let’s see what tomorrow brings!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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

12-8-09 Ms. Arnett's 3rd grade class creates winter wonder window!

Friends:

Today started out on a “bad foot.” A storm ravaged our area and left us with no electricity. Everyone was late getting ready because the alarms didn’t go off. Then, when I got in my car, it wouldn’t start. My brother to the rescue. He jump-started my car and I was able to get to school, albeit a few minutes late.

2-8-09 My brother, Gary, cleaning the corrosion from my dead battery & giving me a jump

My first class was Ms. Arnett’s 3rd grade class. I had enough time to tell the story, “Papa’s Teepee,” and teach it to them. It was fun to see them delight in the falling snowflakes. They even decorated their class window to make it look like it was snowing outside.

12-8-09 Ms. Arnett's 3rd grade class cutting snowflakes from coffee filters

My second class was Ms. Fury’s 3rd grade class. After doing the story, “Catching a Pest,” they learned the story, “The Girl Who Used Her Wits.” It was a fun riddle story and the students enjoyed making “fire wrapped in paper” (a paper lantern) and “wind wrapped in paper” (a paper fan).

Ms. Anchissi’s kindergarten class enjoyed the story of “Catching a Pest,” a story that uses the numbers 1 through 7 to tell a story and draw a mouse. Then we did Papa’s teepee and created snowflakes. They loved it, especially making the snow fall.

12-8-09 Ms. Anchissi's kindergarten class making snow fall

Afterward, Ms. Anchissi decorated her classroom Christmas tree with the students’ snowflakes. It was so pretty!

12-8-09 Ms. Anchissi's kindergarten decorates their Christmas tree with snowflakes

It was then on to Ms. Leblanc’s 2nd grade class. They drew the mouse and then created their snowflakes out of coffee filters, after hearing the story, “Papa’s teepee.” Again, it was like seeing children playing in real snow when they launched their snowflakes!

12-8-09 Ms. Leblanc's 2nd grade class with their coffee filter snow flakes

After lunch, I went to Ms. Bonnano’s 1st grade class. Ms. Bonnano was so excited to see me. What a sweet teacher! After I told the story of “Catching a Pest,” I told them how I was inspired to create the story. They challenged me to create Santa Claus using numbers. It was fun and I’ll continue to work on it…

12-8-09 Ms. Bonnano's 1st grade class' challenge to create Santa using only numbers

They loved making their snowflakes and had fun creating a big blizzard. Following that activity, I gave them a writing prompt for their journals “The Time It Snowed in Class.”

12-8-09 Ms. Bonnano's 1st grade class creates a blizzard

My last class was Mr. Joyce’s 5th grade class. After showing them “Catching a Pest,” I taught them “The Emperor’s Dragon.” I then chose 2 students to perform the story. They did a really good job and I was impressed with their teamwork.

12-8-09 5th grade students from Mr. Joyce's class draw the story The Emperor's Dragon

My car would not start AGAIN and was parked in the teacher’s parking lot. After getting a jump, I was able to get home. I look forward to another day at Bissonet. Hopefully, tomorrow will get off to a better start!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Note: The students’ faces are obscured to protect their identities.

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.)

12-4-09 Performing at B&N Citiplace Baton Rouge, LA

Friends:

On Friday, I had a 7:00pm book signing scheduled in Baton Rouge at the Barnes & Noble Citiplace. Snow and sleet was in the weather forecast so I left New Orleans early, at 4:30pm. Nevertheless, with the weather and the traffic, I didn’t arrive at the bookstore until 7:05pm and I hate being late! By the time I arrived in Baton Rouge, it began to sleet and when I parked my car, you could see the accumulation of ice on the cars in the lot.

Because of the weather, the store was not very busy. My contact, Irina, greeted me and showed me to my signing table. I signed books for a little while while the staff gathered a group for my story time performance. I performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy and had a great time. I actually sold a nice amount of books for the amount of people in the store. People were in the mood to holiday shop.

12-4-09 Dianne with daughter, Eliana, and my little fan, Jonas

Near the end of my book signing, it began to snow outside. Little flurries fell and began accumulating on the ground and on the cars. My 9 year old daughter, Eliana, dashed outside yelling, “It’s snowing!” Snow just doesn’t happen very often in South Louisiana. We grabbed a snack in the cafe while it was open, thinking restaurants might close because of the weather. We Southerners just don’t know how to handle the snow! After picking up my college daughter, Soleil, we headed to Zachary, Louisiana, to stay with my friend, Holly, and her family. Holly is the illustrator for my next book, Mama’s Bayou.

12-4-09 Dirty the Snowman

The snow fall didn’t last long but Holly lives on a golf course and the snow had accumulated in their yard. The kids, Soleil and Eliana, and Holly’s children, Stephen and Ella, played in the snow and created a surprise for us – Dirty the Snowman! I can’t believe they were able to gather enough snow to create a snowman as tall as my 4 ft. 3 inch daughter! Wow!

12-4-09 Eliana with Dirty the Snowman

It was a team effort and the kids had a blast. We ended the night with hot cocoa topped with marshmallows and cookies. The kids truly made it a magical Winter Wonderland!

12-4-09 All the kids with Dirty the Snowman

Maybe we’ll get lucky and see more snow in South Louisiana! Here’s hoping…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

11-29-09 Signing books at SE IRA Conference in New Orleans

Friends:

This past Sunday and Monday, I signed books for Pelican Publishing at the South East Regional International Reading Association Conference. It was a great conference and I met so many wonderful people and made new friends. It was also nice seeing my old friends too! I was excited to finally meet Brod Bagert, Rick Anderson, Chuck Galey, and Michael Shoulders. I had corresponded with Rick, Chuck, and Michael over Facebook but had not met them in person. Wonderful guys! They were so warm and friendly.

11-29-09 Chuck Galey, Rick Anderson, Dianne de Las Casas & Michael Shoulders

On the first day, I signed by myself and did very well, moving a lot of books. I shared the table with other Pelican authors including Cecilia Dartez and Sheila Hebert Collins.

11-30-09 Pelican Authors - Dianne de Las Casas, Cecilia Dartez & Sheila Collins Hebert

On the second day in the morning, Marita Gentry, the illustrator for The Cajun Cornbread Boy and Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, joined me.

11-29-09 Dianne de Las Casas and Marita Gentry sign books

We did a live demonstration with me telling the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach and Marita illustrating on a large pad. It was so much fun and afterwards, we signed books. Books flew off the table as people lined up. We had a marvelous crowd. Thank you so much to the teachers and librarians who came to see us! We love you!

11-29-09 Joyous fans wait for autographs from Dianne and Marita

I took Marita to meet my friends, Rick Anderson (Illustrator) and Michael Shoulders (author). Lo and behold, Brod Bagert was at the table. So we all took a moment to pose for the camera… I really enjoyed meeting Brod, who is a children’s poet from New Orleans. He was charming and effervescent and always had women flocked around his booth. Of course, it can’t hurt that Brod serenaded me with song and poetry performed in Spanish!!

11-30-09 Brod Bagert, Dianne de Las Casas, Rick Anderson, Marita Gentry & Michael Shoulders

Back at the Pelican booth on Monday afternoon, New Orleans Saints fever was high. But chicken and roach fever was higher!

11-30-09 Dianne & John Scheid pose as Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach

Thank you very much to the fabulous Pelican sales team who did a phenomenal job: Caitlin Smith, Scott Campbell, and John Scheid. I look forward to being with you at the next conference! TLA, here we come!

11-30-09 Caitlin Smith & John Scheid, part of the dynamic sales team at Pelican Publishing

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

11-28-09 Dianne and Santa!

Friends:

I had a great time signing books at the Hubbell Library Holiday Sale. The event was in Algiers Point at Gulf Pizza. People came to buy Christmas Trees, purchase books, and crafts from artists. The book sales benefited the Hubbell Library. Even Santa was on hand!

11-28-09 Signing books for Hubbell Library Christmas Sale in Algiers Point, New Orleans

Sales were brisk and I had a great time. Happy Holidays!

11-28-09 Dianne with adoring fan, Charlie Claire

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

11-21-09 Signing at Barnes & Noble, Harvey, LA

Friends:

This past weekend I had 5 book signings! It’s the holiday season and it’s a busy time! My first signing was on Saturday morning at 10am at Sam’s Club in Harvey, Louisiana. Fortunately, I live in Harvey so I didn’t have far to drive. Yay! I was positioned by the front entrance and they had a nice table set up for me, with a table covering and plants on either side. Sales were good and I moved a lot of books.

11-21-09 Signing at Sam's Club in Harvey, LA

A big thank you to my 9 year old daughter, Eliana, for taking all the photos! Eliana was my helper extraordinaire, especially since I am still recovering from a sprained ankle. After a quick lunch at Sam’s Club, Eliana and a stop at Office Depot for more Sharpies to autograph with, Eliana and I headed to Maple Street Book Shop for a 2pm book signing. Marita Gentry, my illustrator, met me there. Thought we didn’t have the crowd we expected (it was raining and there was an LSU game), we still had fun.

11-21-09 Signing at Maple Street Book Shop in New Orleans, LA

Eliana and I headed home to rest a little bit and freshen up. My next book signing was at 7pm at Barnes & Noble in Harvey. Again, I didn’t have to drive far! Unfortunately, Marita was unable to join me. I had a marvelous crowd. It was packed!! I had fans come too! I performed Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, telling the story with the help of children on stage and in the audience. We had a blast!

11-21-09 Sharing stories at Barnes & Noble in Harvey, LA

I sold a bunch of books. One parent said to me, “That was the best story time we have ever seen at Barnes & Noble!” Another girl, Brianna, told me that she came to my last book signing of The Cajun Cornbread Boy and she was going to come to the next one too! Brianna said she was a “fan for life.”

11-21-09 Telling story of Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach at Barnes & Noble in Harvey, LA

On Sunday, I had two book signings scheduled. The first one was at 10am at Sam’s Club in Metairie, Louisiana on Airline Highway. At first, sales were slow. People were rushing through, trying to get their shopping done before the New Orleans Saints game at 12pm. But in the second hour, sales were phenomenal. I even had a woman who loved my books so much she called me later and asked me to come to her son’s school. She’s going to come to my next book signing this upcoming Saturday after Thanksgiving!

11-22-09 Signing at Sam's Club in Metairie, LA (Yes, Wolfgang Puck is behind me. LOL)

Eliana had a big fan too! A little boy named RJ fell in love with her and didn’t want to leave her side! He was the cutest thing! He wouldn’t stop staring at her!

11-22-09 The little boy who fell in love with Eliana

My next signing was in Kenner, a hefty drive from my house so Eliana and I decided to kill time in Metairie (next to Kenner) by shopping at Lakeside Mall. The mall was filled with shopper bees, buzzing around from store to store, spending all their “honey.” The mall was, of course, decorated for Christmas and it was hard not to be in a holiday mood, especially since we saw (on a TV in the Food Court) the Saints beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and become a 10-0 undefeated team! Go Saints!

11-22-09 Eliana at Lakeside Mall in Metairie, LA

My last signing was at Sam’s Club in Kenner from 4pm to 6pm. Shoppers were in a good mood, partly due to the Saint’s nice win. Here, I had the best sales of the weekend. My books went like hotcakes and I had to ask the manager to bring out more books. Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach sold out and I thought some ladies were going to fight over the copies! Fortunately, I had enough for everyone. One lady bought 12 books as Christmas gifts! Thank you to the Hezeau family!

11-22-09 Signing at Sam's Club in Kenner, LA

It was a good weekend and I met some fantastic people. Thank you to my new fans and friends!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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