3-13-10 Christine Taylor-Butler and Dianne de Las Casas encircled in books!

Friends:

Today, I taught my workshop, “Taming Technology: Using the Internet for Biz Success” to the Kansas City Writers Group. Christine Taylor-Butler, a children’s book author, was my hostess. The workshop was held at the gorgeous Kansas City Plaza Library. The workshop started with some tech issues. The library’s WiFi was offline so neither I nor the workshop participants could connect to the Internet. This was a vital part of the workshop but I went to Plan B – talk. I went over the Internet jargon and took polls to see “who” was in my audience. I had both fiction and nonfiction writers and adult and children’s writers. When the WiFi was finally connected, we were all able to get on the Internet with no problems.

3-13-10 Kansas City Writers work on their laptops during the Taming Technology workshop

They learned about the importance of a good website, how to use social media such as Facebook, Facebook fan pages, and Twitter to attract new fans and followers, and several free, useful Internet tools. It was a three hour workshop and they were all very engaged and overwhelmed. It is a lot of information to intake. I gave them a way to prioritize their biz and marketing goals so they could take things one step at a time.

3-13-10 A cow in the Kids Zone is painted with KC landmarks

After the technology workshop, we went to lunch at a fantastic pizza place called Spin. When we returned to the library. I sat in Christine’s critique group as a guest, offering suggestions on how to pepper their presentations with storytelling strategies. It was a great day and I loved every minute of it.

3-13-10 Art is displayed in the library's children's area

The Kansas City Plaza Library is beautiful and I really enjoyed meeting all the writers that came to the workshop. A big hug and special thank you to Christine Taylo-Butler for inviting me and organizing my entire visit, and to April Roy for the awesome library space.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

3-12-10 Performing at the Kansas City Plaza Library

Friends:

After a very long, harrowing day of missed connections due to Continental Airline “maintenance” issues, I arrived in Kansas City safe and sound. My hostess, Children’s Book Author Christine Taylor-Butler, picked me up from the airport and brought me to my hotel in the Plaza area of Kansas City. I had time to freshen up, just in time to make it to the library for my storytelling concert and book signing.

It was so much fun! I began with The Cajun Cornbread Boy and then brought children on stage to be “roaches” for my story, Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. They danced and had a blast.

3-12-10 Performing Madame Poulet with children as little roaches on stage

I even had special people in attendance! My editor from ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited, Sharon Coatney; her daughter, Rache; and her grandson, Will. My friend and fellow storyteller, Joyce Slater, also came to the show! Thank you so much!!

I finished with a spooky favorite, “The Ghost of Mabel Gable.” The kids and grown-ups loved it. It has such a funny ending. After the show, I signed books, posters, and bookmarks. I had the sweetest fans!

3-12-10 Signing books and posters after the show

Special thanks to Christine Taylor-Butler for coordinating the event, to April from the Kansas City Plaza Library for hosting the event, to the AV and security staff of the library, and to Sherry, the CRM of the local Barnes & Noble, who handled book sales. I appreciate the opportunity to perform in such a beautiful space in such a fabulous library!

3-12-10 Inside a circle of books at the Kansas City Plaza Library

1-20-10 Dianne de Las Casas with Diane Williams

Friends:

I am performing a workshop for the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) on Thursday, January 21, 2010. The workshop is called “Taming Technology: Using the Internet for Biz Success.” My contact at MAC is Diane Williams, a dear friend for many years and a gifted storyteller and award-winning author.

Diane invited me to stay at her home. Of course, I accepted her invitation. I hadn’t been to her house since before Katrina, when she housed me and my family through a previous hurricane. So it was a treat to see her again. Rebecca Jernigan, our mutual dear friend, was also there. So you can imagine what a girls slumber party it was!

Diane had to bake pies for a church function so she made 8 sweet potato pies!! She actually put all of then into the oven at once. I couldn’t believe they all fit in there!

1-20-10 Diane Williams' 8 sweet potato pies!

Those pies were tasty. No, we didn’t eat all 8 pies… But we did sample a nice chunk of one of them! We stayed up late chit chatting and catching up. It was a nice end to a wonderful day. Great seeing you, Rebecca and thank you so much for hosting me, Diane. You rock!

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

11-5-09 At the Libraries Unlimited booth

Friends:

On Tuesday, November 3, 2009, I went to see the Michael Jackson movie, This Is It, and fell down the dark movie theater stairwell, spraining my left ankle. I didn’t even get to see the movie! I was taken to the hospital in an ambulance.

11-5-09 Charlotte from inside the cab

Two days later, I had to travel to Charlotte, North Carolina for the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) conference for a book signing at ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited and to present my Story Fest story theater workshop on Saturday, November 7.

It wasn’t easy but I did it! Fortunately, airports and airlines are so accommodating to people with injuries or disabilities. I received nothing but kindness and assistance my entire trip. A special thank you to these librarians: Bridget Kratt from Nebraska for her help from the airport to the Hilton hotel and throughout the conference; Nancy Dickinson, Allison Roberts & Diane Chen from Tennessee for all their help wheeling me to and fro and bringing me to the closing party; and Lisa Upper from North Carolina for helping me throughout my Story Fest Session. You gals totally ROCK!

The Hilton Hotel was so accommodating and everyone there treated me like royalty! Edward Walter, the manager when I checked in, helped me to my room and even prepared an ice bag for my foot! Throughout my stay, I was met with nothing but kindness and compassion and a fresh bag of ice each day from Mirjana, the 6th floor housekeeper. What superb service!

11-6-09 Dianne de Las Casas & Edward Walter, Hilton Manager

After my book signing on Friday, I went to dinner at McCormick & Schmick’s with my team from Libraries Unlimited: Sally, Kristina, and Debby Laboon, the author services manager.

11-6-09 Dinner with Sally, Kristina & Debby from Libraries Unlimited

I love this picture of Debby Laboon!

11-5-09 Is that a lobster crawling up Debby's shirt?

On Saturday, I had my workshop at the convention center. Bridget Kratt wheeled me there and Nancy Dickinson helped me set up. I presented “Story Fest: Reading Comprehension through Revved-Up Story Theater.”

11-7-09 Participants depicting Baby Bear sitting in a chair

It was wonderful to see the librarians loosen their inhibitions and really get into the story theater mode, warming up with individual, partner and group role playing activities.

11-7-09 So this is what librarians do at AASL

The workshop culminated in two performances. One half of the room performed “The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking” while the other half of the room performed “The Frog and the Ox.” Each group was able to enjoy the other group’s performance.

Lisa Upper from Caldwell Academy in Greensboro, North Carolina was my “official” photographer and volunteer room attendant. Thank you, Lisa, for all your help! I ended with the story, “The Viper,” from my newest book, Scared Silly: 25 Tales to Tickle and Thrill, and I raffled away nearly ALL my books to the librarians, which they LOVED.

On Saturday night, my friends, Nancy Dickinson, Allison Roberts, and Diane Chen, picked me up and helped me get to the Imaginon for the AASL 2009 closing party. What a party it was!! I had a FABULOUS time, dancing in and on my wheelchair! No stopping this diva! LOL

11-7-09 Leopard Diva on crutches

It was a successful conference and I enjoyed being with old friends and making new friends. I hope to be a part of AASL 2011 in Minneapolis, next time on TWO FEET!

11-8-09 Dianne and a school librarian on departure date

Thank you to everyone who lent a helping hand and thank you to all the school librarians who attended my session on Saturday!! Keep it REVVED-UP!!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

10-30-09 Sr. Puentes' Kindergarten class acts out the role of a woman walking her dog

Friends:

My last day at Dawes was a wonderful one. I had three classes and then I was invited to attend a Halloween party by Lilly (my friend, Juliet Bond’s daughter) and her third grade teacher, Ms. Brennan. My first classroom visit was Sr. Puentes’ Kindergarten TWI (Two Way Immersion) class. They are always such a fun and cooperative group. They followed every instruction to a tee. What cuties too!

10-30-09 Sr. Puentes' Kindergarten class acts out the role of a woman walking her dog

Plus, Sr. Puentes and his assistant are so sweet! I loved visiting this class!

Next, it was on to Ms. Sovich’s 2nd grade classroom. The kids were so excited to see me, giving me hugs and sitting on the run in anticipation of the class’ upcoming activities. I told the story of “Sody Sallyraytus,” taught them Zydeco dancing, and did some role playing drama activities with them. They were great dancers and Ms. Sovich even videotaped the students doing the two step! Too cool!

10-30-09 Ms. Sovich's 2nd grade class dances Zydeco

They moved quickly into doing their roles, acting out all the parts with enthusiasm, even in partnered pairs. What a great class!

10-30-09 Ms. Sovich's 2nd grade class acting out baby bear sitting on a chair

Check out Ms. Swanson, the second grade TWI teacher. She’s a honey of a teacher!

10-30-09 First Grade Teacher Ms. Swanson is all the buzz!

My last class was Ms. Weatherby and Ms. Gibert’s Kindergarten class. These two teachers are so wonderful. They welcomed me into their classroom with open arms and always offered me treats! So I made up a rap for them:

Here’s a little story for you and me
About Ms. Weatherby and Ms. G
These 2 teachers are so cool
2 of the coolest in the school
Ms. Weatherby and Ms. G (uh)
Ms. Weatherby and Ms. G (uh uh!)
WORD!

10-30-09 Ms. Weatherby & Ms. Gibert's Kindergarteners dance Zydeco

These kindergarteners did such a great job with their role playing! Check this out! Soo adorable!

10-30-09 Ms. Weatherby & Ms. Gibert's Kindergarteners act out Little Red Riding Hood and her cape

My teaching came to an end but the fun didn’t! I went to Ms. Brennan’s third grade classroom and had fun at their Halloween party!

10-30-09 Third Grade Teacher Ms. Brennan is a beautiful butterfly

We danced the Monster Mash, ate lots of tricky treats (there were apple strudels stuffed with worms! [gummy of course]), and had a ton of fun. Look at these marvelous monsters!

10-30-09 Dianne, Zombie Lilly & Scary Guy at Ms. Brennan's 3rd grade class Halloween party

Before I left Dawes, I encountered this mystery rock star… Who is it?!!!

10-30-09 Who is this Guitar Hero rockin the halls of Dawes?!!

Thank you for having me at your school, Dawes! You were awesome! A special thank you to Juliet Bond (the Dawes PTA coordinator of this residency), Ms. Jicha (school librarian), Ms. Bradley (principal), Ms. Johnson (school secretary), and all the teachers and staff at Dawes who made my visit so pleasant and memorable. Also, a huge thank you to the Dawes PTA for funding my visit!! I’d love to come back! And thank you to all the Dawes Kindergarten, First, and Second grade students. Dawes Elementary ROCKS!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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

10-27-09 Mr. Puentes' Kindergarten TWI Class

Friends:

Today was my second day at Dawes School for my K-2 arts residency. My first class was Mr. Puentes’ Kindergarten TWI (Two Way Immersion) class. I told the story The Cajun Cornbread Boy and then we did creative movement to jazz music with scarves. The students, teachers, and I had such a wonderful time together. Muchas gracias, Sr. Puentes, para todo!

Next, I visited Ms. Hamilton’s 1st graders for the second time. I told the story of Sody Sallyraytus and then we danced two-step to Zydeco music. Afterwards, the students did amazing individual partner role playing work.

10-27-09 Ms. Hamilton's 1st graders dance Zydeco

Next, it was on to Ms. Whisler’s 2nd grade TWI class. We had a great time with the storytelling and they loved second lining around the room to jazz.

10-27-09 Ms. Whisler's 2nd grade TWI class second-lines

After lunch, I visited Ms. Alvarez’s class. The loved the storytelling and had a ton of fun! Even Ms. Alvarez joined in!

10-27-09 Ms. Alvarez's 2nd grade class

My last class of the day was in the library with Ms. Wilcinski’s Kindergarten class. The children listened to a new story, Sody Sallyraytus, and had fun participating.

10-27-09 Ms. Wilcinski's Kindergarten class listens to Sody Sallyraytus

After the story, I did some role playing scarf exercises with them. Ms. Jicha, the school librarian, joined in, playing a monkey! So cute!

10-27-09 Ms. Jicha the Librarian role plays a monkey with Ms. Wilcinski's Kindergarten class

Again, it was a great day at Dawes! After school, my friends, Sadarri and Amber Saskill came in from Wisconsin and took me to dinner. We ate at Barcelona Tapas restaurant. The food was fabulous but the friendship and laughter was even better! I can’t believe I forgot to take a picture of the three of us! Amber took a picture of me in my diva leopard boots! These boots are made for rockin! Rargh!

10-27-09 The diva leopard boots at Barcelona Tapas Evanston

Too bad one of the heels broke and it was my first time wearing the shoes! Ugh. Fortunately, the restaurant came to my rescue and Duck taped the heel together temporarily so I could walk. It was black Duck tape! LOL

Fabulous day!

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