9-15-11 My new office with three work areas

Friends:

Many of you have been hearing me chatter on and on about my “dream office.” Well, it is finally done! This week, the baseboards were installed.

9-15-11 My desk and comfy leather chair

My new office has a “beach” theme with white cabinetry, sea blue walls, and sand colored countertops. I have displays of my seashells and sand from around the world, beach paintings from artists in Mexico and Santa Monica, California, and photographs of the beaches I visited in Hawaii this past summer.

9-15-11 My ode to my favorite place... the beach!

There is tons of cabinetry, drawers, file drawers, and a massive built-in bookcase to house my big book collection.

9-15-11 The library wall. Woo hoo!

There are three work stations. I roll back and forth between my desk and the work area behind me. It’s great space with lots of room for special projects. Kid Chef Eliana has her own space! It’s always organized too.

9-15-11 Eliana's work area and the storage tower for promo materials

I just love working in my new environment!

9-15-11 Another view of my desk and work station

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

7-12-11 A panorama of The Mouse's Wedding Kamishibai story, performed by librarians in Athens, TN

Friends:

Last week, I spent the whole week in Tennessee, doing professional development seminars across the state. I was hired by the Tennessee State of School Librarians and it was wonderful. I did “Handmade Tales” in the morning and “Kamishibai Story Theater” in the afternoon. My host, Allison Roberts, drove me all over the gorgeous state of Tennessee. I saw the Smokies, the Appalachian mountains, the plateau, and all the beautiful greenery across the state. We started in Greenevillle, went to Athens, traveled to Murfreesboro, and then ended in Jackson. Unfortunately, I was so tired after my full day of workshops that I neglected to take pictures during our drives.

7-12-11 Allison (far left) and friends become old women in the the story of Bandana Man - Athens, TN

In Greeneville, our host was Mitchell, the librarian of Greeneville High School. He was so kind and helpful! Thank you, Mitchell!

7-11-11 Mitchell makes the cutest old woman - Greenville, TN

All the workshops began with a creativity exercise in which the workshop participants had to create a self-portrait on a paper plate using items from their pocketbooks (Yes, Allison, I learned to use the word “pocketbook” LOL).

7-13-11 A librarian in Murfreesboro, TN creates a self portrait from a checkbook, glasses, 2 pairs of earrings, yarn, and a Mentos cap

And look at this one… how cute!

7-13-11 Amanda creates a cool self-portrait! - Jackson, TN

Then I began with the draw and tell story of Catching a Pest in 7 Steps. It’s a fun story that uses the numbers 1-7 to create the picture.

7-14-11 LeAn draws the story, Catching a Pest in 7 Steps - Jackson, TN

Another draw and tell story followed: The Emperor’s Dragon, a story to represent the country of China. It’s such a cool story with great visuals. I know the librarians will be using this story in school!

7-11-11 The Emperor's Dragon, a draw and tell story - Greeneville, TN

I even showed a story from my new book, A is for Alligator: Draw and Tell Tales from A-Z.

7-14-11 E is for Elephant from Dianne's new book, A is for Alligator - Jackson, TN

They learned the cut and tell story of “Joseph Had a Little Overcoat.”

7-14-11 E is for Elephant from Dianne's new book, A is for Alligator - Jackson, TN

Then I showed them some extras that were not in the handout: Russian nesting dolls made of paper and a “cootie catcher” magic story starter. I showed them how to fold towels to create an ugly duckling and a beautiful swan. So adorable!

7-11-11 The Ugly Duckling and swans made from towels - Greenville, TN

They learned the cut and tell story of “Papa’s Teepee,” which by the end of the story, turns a coffee filter into a snowflake. Then I have all the librarians stand up and create a snow blizzard. Mega cool!

7-14-11 A snow blizzard in Jackson, TN in the middle of July!

They learned how to make a star with a single snip of the scissors.

7-13-11 Librarians are stars in Murfreesboro, TN

Then it was time for “Bandana Man,” one of my most popular Handmade Tales. Workshop participants turn bandanas into cute little figures. The story is a riff of the classic “Gingerbread Man.”

7-11-11 Librarians in Athens, TN make Bandana Man

They learned a string story, “The Stubborn Turnip,” which has a cool magic trick in it that always wows an audience. It is the most challenging of the Handmade Tales but once you learn the one move, it’s a cinch and always garners the “Oooh and Aaah” factor!

In the afternoon, I taught them the Kamishibai story theater process.

7-11-11 Dianne checks on the progress of the Kamishibai cards in Greenville, TN

The group was assigned a story from Asia. The story was divided amongst the participants in the group and they had to illustrate their portion of the story. In Greeneville, they performed “The Battle Between Wind and Rain,” a story from the Philippines.

7-11-11 Gail performs her part in the Kamishibai story of The Battle Between Wind and Rain, a story from the Philippines - Greenville, TN

In Athens, Murfreesboro, and Jackson, they performed “The Mouse’s Wedding,” a tale from Japan. And the artwork was stunning! Here are some Kamishibai cards from different venues in order of their story sequence.

Father Mouse wants his daughter, Sachiko, to marry the mightiest creature in the world, not Makoto, a poor pauper of a mouse.

7-14-11 McIntee with her Kamishibai card from The Mouse's Wedding - Jackson, TN

So Father Mouse sees Mr. Sun, whom he thinks is the mightiest creature in the world.

7-13-11 Erin performs with her Kamishibai card from the story, The Mouse's Wedding - Murfreesboro, TN

Mr. Sun says he is flattered but Cloud must be the mightiest because Cloud covers Sun.

7-12-11 A Kamishibai card of the sun in the story, The Mouse's Wedding - Athens, TN

So Father Mouse sees Mr. Cloud, who must be the mightiest creature in the world. Mr. Cloud says he is flattered but Wind must be the mightiest because Wind blows Cloud across the sky.

7-13-11 Father Mouse talks to Mr. Wind in this Kamishibai card from The Mouse's Wedding - Murfreesboro, TN

So Father Mouse sees Mr. Wind, who must be the mightiest creature in the world. Mr. Wind says he is flattered but Wall must be the mightiest because Wall stops Wind dead in his tracks.

7-14-11 The Mouse's Wedding Kamishibai story theater - Jackson, TN

Finally, Father Mouse talks to Mr. Wall.

7-14-11 Father Mouse sees the wall in this Kamishibai card from The Mouse's Wedding - Murfreesboro, TN

Mr. Wall tells him that the mightiest creature is the one who chews a hole through him… that is the mouse!

7-13-11 This Kamishibai card from The Mouse's Wedding is so cute! - Murfreesboro, TN

So Father Mouse gives his daughter, Sachiko, permission to marry, Makoto, a mere mouse. Oshimai. The End.

7-14-11 Nancy with her Kamishibai card from The Mouse's Wedding - Jackson, TN

In Jackson, we even had time to make the cool accordion dragon puppet from my book, There’s a Dragon in the Library.

7-14-11 Nancy and Carol make their dragon accordion puppets from There's a Dragon in the Library - Jackson, TN

It was a fabulous week!! Thank you to all the librarians who came to the workshops. Thank you to our wonderful hosts: Mitchell in Greeneville, Beth in Athens (who treated me to a star dinner at her incredible house, where I stayed the night before), Dolores in Murfreesboro, and Tina in Jackson. Finally, a big thank you and hug to Allison Roberts, my hostess with the mostest. We had great (though hot) weather and perfect travel conditions (no traffic!) all the way through. It must have been her good “mojo!” She kept me fed (with chocolate) and watered (with Diet Coke). What more can a girl ask for?

I feel like I really know Tennessee now. What a BEAUTIFUL state! I can’t wait to return!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-24-11 Jane, a new librarian friend, Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry

Friends:

It has been a fabulous, non-stop week in New Orleans! The American Library Association (ALA) was in town for their annual conference. I was so excited to play hostess because I live in New Orleans!

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011
On Thursday, I picked up my good friend, Katie Davis (children’s book author/illustrator and host of Brain Burps About Books podcast) and John Schumacher (a librarian/book reviewer of Mr. Schu Reads fame) and took them out to eat at Al Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro. Then we had an impromptu Kidlit drink night at W.I.N.O. (Wine Institute of New Orleans) and tons of children’s book authors showed up: Michelle Knudsen (Library Lion), Phil Bildner (The Hallelujah Flight), Kevin Lewis (Editor at Disney/Hyperion), Ellen Hopkins (Crank, Burned, etc.), Eric Wight (Frankie Pickle series) and Alex from the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. The late night ran into the wee morning… good times with good friends!

6-23-11 Dianne de Las Casas and Ellen Hopkins

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011
On Friday, it was the opening of the exhibit hall known as “The Stacks.” The ribbon-cutting was at 5:15pm. I signed books from 5:30-6:30pm at Pelican Publishing and ran into my long-time friend, author and storyteller Rose Ann St. Romaine, who is a fellow Pelican author.

6-24-11 Children's Book Authors Dianne de Las Casas and Rose Ann St. Romain

On Friday night, I went to dinner with my author liaison from ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited, Debby LaBaoon. Debby and I ate at Pascal Manale’s, famous for their barbecue shrimp. I just LOVE Debby! Afterwards, it was off to the ALA Dance Party at Oz in the French Quarter. I went with children’s book author, Erica Perl, who is fun and fabulous! We hung out with Ellen Hopkins, Kevin Lewis, Phil Bildner, and a large group of dancing librarians.

6-26-11 Dianne de Las Casas with Debby LaBoon

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2011
On Saturday, it was the first full day of the stacks and it was buzzing! I signed books in the morning with illustrator Marita Gentry, who has illustrated several of my books including The Cajun Cornbread Boy and There’s a Dragon in the Library. There was a line waiting even before I sat down and we sold out of There’s a Dragon in the Library! After that, Marita and I signed books at ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited. We promoted our new professional book, A is for Alligator: Draw and Tell Tales from A-Z. Kid Chef Eliana was with me and she had a great time exploring the stacks and visiting the new “What’s Cooking?” section of the ALA exhibit hall, which hosted cooking demos and cookbook signings.

6-25-11 Dianne de Las Casas and Marita Gentry sign at ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited

On Saturday evening, it was time for the ALSC Stories for a Saturday Evening Concert. I was the headlining storyteller and shared the stage with Patty Carleton and Elizabeth Ellis (whom I have adored for years). Marita Gentry accompanied me, drawing as I told the stories. We began with “W is for Whale” from our new book, A is for Alligator: Draw and Tell Tales from A-Z.

6-25-11 Marita Gentry draws W is for Whale as Dianne tells the story from their new book, A is for Alligator

Then we performed There’s a Dragon in the Library, which is a great story that showcases Marita’s drawing and coloring skills!

6-25-11 Marita Gentry draws Dewey the Dragon as Dianne tells the story from their new book, There's a Dragon in the Library

We closed with Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, an old New Orleans folktale that has lots of boisterous audience participation with members of the audience coming on stage to play the parts of the roaches. So much fun!!

6-25-11 Marita Gentry draws Monsieur Roach as Dianne tells the story, with helpers, from their book, Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach

Then it was time for our final bow. Thank you to Mary Morgan Smith, who organized the Stories for a Saturday Evening concert, sponsored by ALSC (American Library Services to Children).

6-25-11 Taking a final bow with Marita Gentry, Elizabeth Ellis and Patty Carleton with host Mary Morgan Smith

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2011
On Sunday, I signed more books with Pelican Publishing and ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited.

6-27-11 The ABC-Clio booth

But the big event of the night was the Newbery Caldecott Wilder banquet!

6-26-11 The Newbery Caldecott Wilder Awards Banquet

I sat at a table with my dear friend, Beth Jackson, who sat next to her friend, Ellen Ruffin, Curator of the deGrummond Collection at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. I wish I knew the name of the woman sitting next to Ellen! Sorry.

6-26-11 Cutie pie, Ellen Ruffin and Beth Jackson at the Caldecott Newbery Wilder banquet

To my left was Sara Rutenberg, Chief Operating Officer of SCBWI. Wow. What luck I had! She was a great table-mate and we laughed lots.

6-26-11 Sara Rutenberg, COO of SCBWI at the Newbery Caldecott Wilder banquet

My friends Jim Averbeck and Diane Chen came by to see me. They hadn’t met each other and I thought they looked so good together in this picture! GLAMOROUS!! Jim Averbeck is the host of Interviews on the Kidlit Red Carpet, in which he does red carpet interviews with kidlit authors. Even I got interviewed! He was accompanied by the lovely ladies, Kristen Venuti and Katie Davis.

6-26-11 Children's Book Author Jim Averbeck with ALA Executive Board member Diane Chen

On the red carpet, I ran into children’s book author Anastasia Suen and we discovered something we had in common: we love bows and peeptoes! LOL

6-26-11 Dianne de Las Casas' shoes & Anastasia Suen's shoes. We love bows & peeptoes!

First, they announced the winners of the Caldecott Honors: Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Bryan Collier and Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein. The Caldecott went to A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Phillip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead. Erin’s speech was so sweet and poignant. She made me cry. It made me love the book even more!

6-26-11 A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Phillip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead wins the Caldecott

Then it was time for the Newbery Medal. The Newbery Honors went to Margi Preus for The Heart of a Samurai, Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman, Rita Williams-Garcia for One Crazy Summer, and Jennifer L. Holm for Turtle in Paradise. Jenni is a good friend of mine and I was so excited to see her win!

6-26-11 My friend, author Jenni Holmes, wins the Newbery Honor for Turtle in Paradise! Yay Jenni!

The Newbery Medal went to Clare Vanderpool for Moon Over Manifest.

6-26-11 Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool wins the prestigious Newbery Award

Tomie dePaola is also a good friend so I was elated to see him honored with the Wilder lifetime achievement medal. Well-deserved! Afterward, I talked to Bob Hechtel, Tomie’s assistant, and he showed me the gorgeous medal.

6-26-11 Tomie dePaola's assistant, Bob, with the Wilder medal

This is the Wilder medal up close. So pretty!

6-26-11 The Wilder medal up close!

After the banquet, a group of us went out to celebrate Jenni Holm’s special night. Crazy things happen when kidlit authors are partying! LOL Dan Santat signed John Schumacher’s shirt. Then all the kidlit authors got to sign it, including me! I got the collar. LOL

6-26-11 Dan Santat draws on Mr. Schu's shirt - how cool!

We were in the “Living Room” of the W. Tomie dePaola was there and posed for this cute picture with me. Doesn’t he look so jolly?!! Adorable.

6-26-11 Tomie dePaola and Dianne de Las Casas

As the consummate New Orleans hostess, everyone wanted a place (at 3 in the morning, mind you), where we could get some good grub and drinks. So I suggested St. Charles Tavern. We all piled into a mini-van cab and headed there: Jenni Holm, Ellen Hopkins, Katie Davis, Dan Santat, John Schumacher, Travis Jonker, and Eric Wight. It was so late, it was early. We saw the sun come up!! I didn’t get home until 6:30am!! Ssshhh! But look at how fresh we looked on Monday!

6-27-11 Dianne de Las Casas with Children's Book Authors-Illustrators Eric Wight & Dan Santat

MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2011
On Monday morning, I performed at the Pop Top stage for the National Storytelling Network. I performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy and a short string story called “The Mosquito.” I also got to see some long-time Louisiana storyteller friends, Sylvia Davis and Rosa Metoyer! Love you, girls!

6-27-11 Storytellers Sylvia Davis, Dianne de Las Casas, and Rosa Metoyer

It was off to sign books with Pelican Publishing Company one last time and it was busy. Then I was able to finally walk the stacks with my precious daughter, Eliana.

6-26-11 Kid Chef Eliana with Halle Durand and Tony Fucile, author & illustrator of Mitchell's License

That evening, I went to the International Librarians Reception. I ran into Diane Chen again and she invited me to a private reception in the ALA Presidential Suite. I met Roberta Stevens, the 2011 ALA President. What a sweetie!

6-27-11 Diane Chen - ALA Executive Board, Roberta Stevens - 2011 ALA President, and Dianne de Las Casas

After the President’s reception, I met with my friend, Ryan Sias, who is a fantastic children’s book author and graphic novelist. His work has great style.

6-27-11 Dianne de Las Casas with Children's Book Author-Illustrator Ryan Sias

ALA 2011 in New Orleans was a phenomenal conference for me! Loved every minute of it and it was so much fun playing hostess and ambassador to the stars. I look forward to Anaheim next year!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-17-11 The draw and tell story of The Emperor's Dragon from Dianne's book, Handmade Tales

Friends:

This past Saturday, I performed at the NAS Belle Chasse Library for their summer reading program, which was themed “A Mid-Summer Knight’s Read.” It was a special performance for me because my mom, who retired last month, worked on base for many years, my step-dad still works there, and I am a certified Navy brat! Thank you to Chaney Foote, who brought me to the base library. We had a small but super-fun crowd and I LOVE the castle and knight decorations that Chaney put up! The library was so cute!

6-17-11 An intimate but fun audience at the NAS Belle Chasse Library

I told my draw and tell story, “The Emperor’s Dragon,” from my book, Handmade Tales. Also from my book, I told another draw and tell story, “Catching a Pest in 7 steps.”

6-17-11 The draw and tell story of Catching a Pest in 7 Steps from Dianne's book, Handmade Tales

We got down, we got funky, we even became monkeys! Hilarious!

6-18-11 Monkeys in the audience!

I told the story of “Medio Pollito” with the help of Robin, an energetic boy in my audience. Thanks, Robin!

6-17-11 Tell the story of Medio Pollito

I also told There’s a Dragon in the Library but my camera died so I don’t have any pictures! We had a great time and I loved being at the NAS library!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-17-11 Dianne de Las Casas does a draw and tell story called The Emperor's Dragon from her book, Handmade Tales

Friends:

This past Friday, I performed at the St. Bernard Parish Library for the summer reading program. I opened with a gift to Janet Perez, the children’s librarian. I gave her a set of poi balls from my trip to Hawaii. Poi balls are balls at the end of a long yard rope that are twirled in patterns. They are used by the Maori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand), which is part of the Polynesian Triangle. Janet tried her hand at the poi balls and did a great job!

6-17-11 Children's Librarian Janet Perez tries her hand at Maori Poi Balls

I apologize for the quality of the pictures. The backlighting made it hard for my little digital camera to take good pictures. My first story was “The Emperor’s Dragon” from my Handmade Tales book. After I drew the story, I showed them a Chinese dragon marionette that I picked up from my travels to Hawaii.

6-17-11 Dianne shows a Chinese dragon marionette she brought back from Hawaii's Chinatown

The next story I told was another draw and tell story from my Handmade Tales book called “Catching a Pest in 7 Steps.”

6-17-11 Dianne does another draw and tell story, Catching a Pest in 7 Steps, from her book, Handmade Tales

I did a fun traditional song, “My Aunt Came Back” and then told the story of “Medio Pollito,” a tale from Spain in which a half-chick with a full attitude does not listen to his mom. It’s a fun story with lots of audience participation. I ended with my book, There’s a Dragon in the Library.

6-17-11 Performing There's a Dragon in the Library

Dewey the Dragon made an appearance at the end of the story.

6-17-11 Dewey the Dragon from There's a Dragon in the Library makes an appearance

Then special guest, Kid Chef Eliana, came out and rocked the house with her song, Cool Kids Cook!

6-17-11 Kid Chef Eliana rocks her song, Cool Kids Cook

We all had a great time and I love visiting the St. Bernard Parish Library. Thanks so much, Janet!!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-15-11 Hapuna Beach, Big Island Hawaii

Friends:

Day 10 was a special day in Hawaii for us. It was June 15th, Eliana’s birthday, and she turned 11 in Hawaii!

It was also our last day on the Big Island. We were flying to the Mainland later that day. So we decided to spend our last few hours at Hapuna Beach, a long stretch of white sand beach with clear waters just a little north of Waikoloa.

6-15-11 Hapuna Beach with its white sands and turquoise waters

It was early in the morning when we went the the beach was nearly deserted! This was surprising because we were told that it would be very crowded.

6-15-11 Hapuna Beach early in the morning. The beach is so peaceful!

The water was pretty shallow and the waves were gentle but there was a strong undercurrent. We made sure to stay close to shore to avoid any riptides. We all had fun playing in the fine sand and crystal clear waters.

6-15-11 Eliana and Soleil have fun in the sun at Hapuna Beach

We discovered some incredible sand art! Just WOW!

6-15-11 Will Honu be eaten by shark on Hapuna Beach?

Eliana had a great time being an explorer, staking her claim to an “island.”

6-15-11 Explorer Eliana at Hapuna Beach

It was a gorgeous day and we couldn’t have asked for better weather!

6-15-11 I love the fine sand and clear water of Hapuna Beach!

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. We had to leave the beautiful Hapuna Beach to fly home…

6-15-11 Antonio and I bask in the glory of Hapuna Beach

It appeared that Eliana was stuck… Uh oh!

6-15-11 Eliana is stuck in the Hapuna Beach sand

We dug Eliana out of the sand and headed back to the room to clean up and fly out.

6-15-11 Eliana AKA Pualani boards the plane for our first flight to Oahu

Aloha, Hawaii! We will miss you…

But it was still Eliana’s birthday on our flight home. A super sweet flight attendant brought Eliana to First Class to make a birthday sundae (on a Wednesday). Hau’oli La Hanau! Happy Birthday, Eliana!

6-15-11 Eliana enjoys a birthday sundae on the flight from Oahu to Dallas Fort Worth

Until next time… Aloha!

Warmly, Dianne

6-14-11 Eliana at Punalu'u Black Sand tide pools

Friends:

Day 9 began with the pretty drive south from Waikoloa to Captain Cook, Hawaii. There, we ate at The Coffee Shack, a restaurant highly recommended by the locals.

6-14-11 The Coffee Shack is built into the side of a mountain overlooking the Kona coast

I saw my first Madagascar gecko at The Coffee Shack!

6-14-11 The Madagascar Gecko

For breakfast, I had a Portuguese sausage eggs benedict platter. Talk about Ono!!! Yum!

6-14-11 Portuguese sausage eggs benedict from The Coffee Shack

After eating at The Coffee Shack, we headed further south to Punalu’u Black Sands Beach.

6-14-11 Aloha from Punalu'u Beach, Big Island Hawaii

To describe Punalu’u in one word: spectacular!

6-14-11 Look at the view behind me... amazing!

It was a juxtaposition of cerulean sea cresting white against jagged midnight cliffs and ebony sands. Sea turtles swam in the waves, oblivious of human presence. It was an awe-inspiring scene showcasing Mother Nature at her best.

6-14-11 Eliana plays in the waves of the black sand beach

The black sand glittered like diamonds in the bright sun.

6-14-11 Three layers make a cool picture! Dry black sand, wet black sand, and waves at Punalu'u

We swam amidst the honu (sea turtles) and marveled at the oddities we found, like this rainbow rock, whose rainbow was revealed only when submerged in the water.

6-14-11 Rainbow rock at Punalu'u

I also found this heart-shaped stone, odd because it was also red in color!

6-14-11 A heart-shaped rock at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

Of course, Eliana had to make her traditional mark…

6-14-11 We love you too, Eliana!

I just found Punalu’u stunning. It took my breath away.

6-14-11 The expanse of Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

Endless beauty!

6-14-11 Waves crash against the black lava cliffs

As if seeing this magnificent work of Mother Nature’s art wasn’t enough, we headed to Volcano National Park. WOW! Yes, I saw Mt. Kilauea as a child but I was so little. Seeing it as an adult brought me to tears.

6-14-11 The Mt. Kilauea crater, an awe-inspiring sight!

It was as if Pele, the volcano goddess, was smiling upon us. We were granted a rainbow!

6-14-11 A panorama of Mt. Kilauea and the amazing full rainbow I caught on camera!

This is Pele, the Volcano Goddess…

6-14-11 Pele, the Goddess of the Vocano

It’s hard to describe what I felt as I stood there, overlooking this volatile, savage beauty. It was as if the volcano was alive and I could feel her “HA,” her life, coursing through me. It was a little chilly so I had to don pants, tennis shoes, and a jacket.

6-14-11 At Mt. Kilauea Volcano! WOW!

After witnessing the grandeur of Mt. Kilauea, we headed to the Thurston Lava Tubes. First, it was a trek through the rain forest to get there. What was amazing was that Volcano National Park had micro climates within minutes of each other!

6-14-11 Eliana and Soleil walk through the rainforest at Volcano National Park

Then we arrived at the Lava Tubes.

6-14-11 Soleil and Eliana entering the Thurston Lava Tube at Volcano National Park

The tubes are formed when hot lava flows rapidly through already cooling lava formations. A hole is formed, creating a cave. The Thurston Lava Tubes are large enough for humans to walk through.

6-14-11 Inside the Thurston Lava Tube at Volcano National Park

We left Volcano National Park, and drove around the other side of the mountain, having dinner in rainy Hilo.

6-14-11 Happy Birthday, Eliana, from Kuhio Grill in Hilo, Hawaii

Day 9, our last full day on the Big Island, was amazing. We saw some incredible sights and drove the perimeter of the entire island in one day. Whew! So cool!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-13-11 The picturesque Anaho'omalu Bay at the Waikoloa Marriott Beach Resort

Friends:

On Day 8 of our Hawaiian vacation, we did so much! We woke up early and went to Anaeho’omalu Bay to take a glass bottom boat tour of the bay. This is a view of the shore from the boat.

6-13-11 The view of the shore from the glass bottom boat

We learned so much about the sea life on the glass bottom boat tour. We spotted yellow tang, long-slate pencil sea urchin, and honu, meaning sea turtle in Hawaiian.

6-13-11 Honu, the Hawaiian green sea turtle

After our glass bottom boat tour, we decided to get in some beach time since our previous swim in “A-Bay” was at dusk the night before.

6-13-11 Eliana swims in A-Bay

After playing at the beach for a while, we got dressed and went to the Original Hawaiian Chocolate factory. Pam Cooper, one of the owners, was kind enough to give us a tour by appointment even though their tours are usually scheduled for Wednesdays and Fridays.

6-13-11 Original Hawaiian Chocolate farm and factory in Kailua-Kona

It was an amazing experience for me to tour a single-origin chocolate company, especially since my book, Blue Frog: The Legend of Chocolate, comes out in the Fall of this year. OHC grows their own cacao trees, from which cacao pods ripen.

6-13-11 OHC grows their own cacao. Here various colored cacao pods suspend from tree branches.

Here is a picture of the cacao pods up close.

6-13-11 A close-up of the cacao pods

Pam cut one open so we could see inside.

6-13-11 A cacao pod opened to reveal the white fleshy fruit

After the pods are harvested, the cacao beans are extracted and fermented. They are then placed on drying racks to sun-dry before they are roasted.

6-13-11 Cacao beans dry in the sun before they are roasted

After they are sent to the winnower (which removed the shells and turns the beans into nibs), they are then ground in a machine called a conch, creating a concentrated liquid. After conching for 15 hours, the chocolate arrives at temperer for its final process before it is poured into molds.

6-13-11 The chocolate, in its final stage of tempering, before it is molded

The result is astounding. Seeing chocolate created from the soil to the bar was a magical experience for me! OHC was the first single-origin chocolate in the United States, cultivating their own cacao and processing it into chocolate. Most chocolate factories buy their cacao from farms. OHC IS the farm and the factory! Wow!

6-13-11 Original Hawaiian Chocolate bars!

Pam, thank you so much for your incredible hospitality! We appreciate you. Like you say, “Chocolate is Aloha!”

6-13-11 Kid Chef Eliana, Dianne & Soleil with Pam Cooper of Original Hawaiian Chocolate

After our amazing tour with Original Hawaiian Chocolate, we headed to Kona Joe’s Coffee to see how coffee is made. I knew very little about the coffee making process and I learned so much from this tour as well! Kona Joe has a patented trellis system that his coffee trees are grown on.

6-13-11 Kona Joe's coffee farm with his signature trellis grown coffee

Here is a close-up of the coffee cherries on the trellis system.

6-13-11 Coffee cherries are grown on a trellis system patented by Kona Joe

This is the processing plant where Kona Joe makes his magic happen. Coffee on the Kona coast of Hawaii is the only coffee that is grown and processed in the United States!

6-13-11 The processing plant where Kona Joe makes his famous coffee

Of course, Antonio and Soleil were excited to shop for coffee. I am not a coffee drinker so Eliana and I enjoyed a cup of hot cocoa. The view from Kona Joe’s is amazing! You can see straight to the coast from the farm on the mountain.

6-13-11 Kona Joe's coffee farm overlooks the beautiful Kona coast

After our coffee tour, we took a leisurely drive around the Kailua-Kona area. We stopped at La’aloa Beach, also know as Magic Sands Beach because when the tide is high, the sands disappear into the water.

6-13-11 La'aloa State Beach Park, also known as Magic Sands Beach

We were at the beach during the late afternoon, when the surf was high. There was little sand but what little sand was visible was fine and white. The water was crystal clear too!

6-13-11 Eliana and I frolic at the Magic Sands Beach

The beach is dotted with volcanic rock and the waves can be quite strong. Eliana enjoyed dancing at the water’s edge.

6-13-11 Eliana dances in the waters of Magic Sands Beach

Antonio and Soleil were content to watch and take pictures while we played in the water.

6-13-11 What a beautiful beach!

Even Batman enjoys a little surf now and then…

6-13-11 To the Bat Cave... or beach

The Big Island of Hawaii has so many types of beaches! It’s amazing to see the variety of beaches, even on the same coast!

6-13-11 The water is so pretty and the sand is so white at Magic Sands Beach

It was another day in heaven!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-12-11 Oh so pretty... the Waikiki beach and Eliana!

Friends:

On our last day in Waikiki, we decided to grab some beach time at our resort at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Eliana and I really wanted to go swimming.

6-12-11 I spend some time on Waikiki Beach before we fly to the Big Island

Of course, Eliana had to send her message in the sand…

6-12-11 We love you too, Eliana!

We had a great time at the beach but it was time to pack up and fly to the Big Island!

6-12-11 The pretty pink princess checks in for her flight to Hawaii, the Big Island

We arrived at the Kona airport, which is completely open air. We were staying at the Marriott Waikoloa Beach Resort and rented a car to drive around the island.

6-12-11 Hula nani Eliana at the Kona airport

On the way to our resort, we traveled the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway. We were astonished by the stark lava landscape and the organic graffiti!

6-12-11 A tradition on the Kona side of the Big Island - grafitti made with coral on black volcanic rock formations

Of course, we had to stop by the side of the road to examine the landscape further!

6-12-11 The lava creates amazing formations

Eliana makes her mark with scattered coral… Now she is a part of this curious tradition.

6-12-11 Eliana makes her mark on the Big Island!

Frankly, I was stunned by the volcanic desertscape. I didn’t expect it and it was such a surprise. I was taken by the landscape’s raw and stark beauty. It seemed so primal, like seeing the earth being created.

6-12-11 Me amidst a sea of black lava with a lone tree dotting the volcanic landscape

On the dry Kona side of Hawaii, you can see the sea, even from Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway.

6-12-11 A scenic lookout on Queen Koho'omalu Highway on the Big Island

We arrived at the Marriott Waikoloa Beach Resort on Anaeho’omalu Bay. It was such a drastic contrast to the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. So remote, so peaceful.

6-12-11 The amazing Marriott Waikoloa Resort on A-Bay, Big Island, Hawaii

We hurried into our bathing suits to catch a little beach time. The beach was a mixture of volcanic rock, salt and pepper sand, and azure water surrounded by lush flora and fauna.

6-12-11 The sun sets on Waikoloa

As the sun set, we dipped in the waters. The beach was practically deserted. It was so serene. A completely different scene than Waikiki, which is always moving, even at night.

6-12-11 A sunset dip at the beach

Then we decided to sample all the pools that the Marriott had to offer. I loved the slightly heated large infinity pool!

6-12-11 A night dip in the pretty infinity pool at Waikoloa

Our first day on the Big Island was a lesson in beauty. Not every Hawaiian landscape is full of lush palm trees and plumerias. Yet, the rolling lava desertscapes echo with a quiet, raw beauty. Not all beaches are full of fine white sands. Yet, the beach at Anaeho’omalu Bay is mysterious and just as beautiful with its sharp volcanic rock and coarse salt and pepper sand. Aloha from the Big Island…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-11-11 The KCC Farmer's Market is crowded!

Friends:

On Day 6 of our Hawaiian paradise vacation, we went to the KCC Farmer’s Market.

6-11-11 The most beautiful hibiscus flowers at the KCC Farmer's Market

We heard that it was one of the best farmer’s markets in the country and couldn’t wait to taste the local flavors. We were not disappointed!

6-11-11 A kimchi sausage on a stick. Awesome!

We sampled lot of different kinds of foods. This caprese pizza was made completely from scratch with all local ingredients, even the tomato sauce. It had hand-stretched mozzarella too. Just fabulous!

6-11-11 Caprese pizza with all fresh ingredients!

Kid Chef Eliana and I had an authentic pineapple ginger ale made fresh. It was so delicious!

6-11-11 Kid Chef Eliana sips a homemade pineapple ginger ale at the KCC Farmer's Market

Antonio and I shared a Northshore Cattle Company beef kalua loco moco. It was phenomenal. I learned that Hawaii is the largest producer of beef in the country!

6-11-11 Kalua beef loco moco at the KCC Farmer's Market

We also had honey cream pineapple, the best pineapple I have ever tasted. Fresh Hawaiian sweet bread was amazing. We had our breakfast/lunch at the KCC Farmer’s Market. Kid Chef Eliana found these amazing spices!

6-11-11 Kid Chef Eliana with Kaiulani Spices at the KCC Farmers' Market

She was lucky enough to meet Kaiulani, the owner of Kaiulani spices. Kaiulani was so sweet. She gave Kid Chef Eliana some spices as a birthday present. Wow! Such Aloha!!

6-11-11 Kid Chef Eliana with Kaiulani, the Hawaiian Queen of Spices

After the KCC Farmer’s Market, we headed back to the Polynesian Cultural Center for our Ambassador Tour, which we missed on our first visit. On the way, we stopped at a local carver’s workshop. I picked up a hand-carved Tiki. The artist, Mailo, signed it for me! We always treasure art from the places we travel to and local handicrafts are a special prize.

6-11-11 A tiki is hand-carved and signed by Mailo, the artist

At the Polynesian Cultural Center, we were assigned a guide from Fiji – Louchrisha – who was so hospitable and knowledgeable. We loved her!

6-11-11 Cousin Louchrisha is our guide at the Polynesian Cultural Center

Our first order of business was the lei greeting. We had to greet each other with a kiss and bestow leis upon our partner. I caught Mom and Clay in the act. Awwww. So cute!

6-11-11 Clay kisses Mom as he gives her a lei greeting at the Polynesian Cultural Center

Eliana took a picture with a beautiful Polynesian young lady.

6-11-11 Eliana poses with a beautiful Hawaiian girl

Louchrisha took us to Samoa, where we watched a man make fire from wooden sticks and coconut husk.

6-11-11 Eliana and Soleil take a picture with a Samoan fire-maker

We also watched a man scale a coconut tree with his bare feet! Ouch.

6-11-11 In the village of Samoa, a man scales a coconut tree with bare feet

In Aotearoa (New Zealand), we did a Maori stick game. Eliana and I were partners and did the best of all the groups. Yay!

6-11-11 In Aotearoa, we play a Maori stick game

Then we tried our hand at Maori poi balls. This was easy for me because I did poi balls as a kid. My stepdad nearly killed himself with the poi balls. Hilarious!

6-11-11 Mom, Clay, Soleil & Antonio work their poi balls in Aotearoa

Next, Louchrisha brought us to the amazing canoe pageant featuring the dances of the various Polynesian Isles. We had great seats and I got some wonderful pictures. First was Aotearoa in green with their poi balls.

6-11-11 The canoe pageant featuring Aotearoa

Next was Samoa. I love how they balance on the canoes as they dance.

6-11-11 The canoe pageant featuring Samoa

Fiji floated by with fierce dancers.

6-11-11 The canoe pageant featuring Fiji

Next, Tonga was in fiery red and I loved their hair pieces!

6-11-11 The canoe pageant featuring Tonga

Hawaii danced gracefully in bright blue, representing the colors of the ocean and the sky.

6-11-11 The canoe pageant featuring Hawaii

The crowd favorite was clearly Tahiti with their fast hip-shaking dance, and careful balancing of the boat. I am always mesmerized watching Tahitian dancers and love their full skirts and tall head-dresses.

6-11-11 The canoe pageant featuring Tahiti

After the canoe pageant, we got to take a canoe ride ourselves! We toured all of the villages by water and exited the boat in Hawaii. There, we had a fun Hula lesson.

6-11-11 We all dance Hula!

Then it was on to Fiji, where we got our tribal tattoos. Mine was “Queen.” Eliana was “Warrior Princess.” Then we went to Tonga.

6-11-11 Eliana with pretty wahines from Tonga

In Tonga, we saw a drum show and learned how to weave an angel fish out of palm fronds. When the fish was finished, it was on a long reed. When you flung the reed, the fish moved to the tip and it looked like you caught fish while fishing. Soooo cool!

6-11-11 Weaving an angel fish made out of palm leaves on my fingers

I loved the Polynesian Cultural Center and felt such a connection to the many cultures of Polynesia. And there is still so much more to learn! I hope to one day write a book about Polynesia, collecting its rich folklore and the magical qualities all the islands possess.

6-11-11 Vina makes poi balls by hand

After our second PCC visit, we decided to take a scenic drive up the North Shore.

6-11-11 The Chinaman's Hat, an island off the North Shore of Oahu

It was really a pretty drive!

6-11-11 The scenic drive on the Northshore of Hawaii is beautiful!

Then it was time to take in the sunset at where else? Sunset Beach! We parked and then Eliana and I played in the sand and sea.

6-11-11 Eliana hangs loose at Sunset Beach

Eliana loves the water!

6-11-11 Eliana plays in the water at Sunset Beach

It rained on and off at Sunset Beach while we were there but I still managed to catch some beautiful pictures!

6-11-11 Sunset Beach on the Northshore of Oahu

Eliana and I love the beach!!!

6-11-11 The sun sets at Sunset Beach

After the rain goes, rainbows!

6-11-11 A beautiful rainbow caught from Sunset Beach!

Then I caught this postcard picture of Sunset Beach! Totally worth getting a little wet for! The perfect sunset to close another perfect day in paradise…

6-11-11 The postcard sunset at Sunset Beach

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne