Last chance to practice!
Practice is on schedule for Thursday, June 1 from about 5:30 to 7 p.m. We’ll grab as many empty carts as we can find and head out to the parking lot to practice the routine (with a real whistle this time!) If you arrive after 5:45, we'll probably be in the back lot already.
Cart assignments for the Divas:
First row: 1 – Anne, 2 – Jan, 3 – Linda
Second row: 4 – Karen, 5 – Kris, 6 – Jen
Third row: 7 – Laura, 8 – Ann, 9 – Ali, 10 – Sarah
Jan suggested a "dress" rehearsal, probably because she's so excited about the dress she found. So, bring your gowns and we'll get a quick dress rehearsal in.
Let me share some of Jan's email, just in case you haven't read it yet. She said that the store had "an amazing assortment of dresses in the most godawful colors, all for $12-$20. Hot pink (think "Pepto Bismal"), torrid turquoise, gumball green, racy red, gold and glitzy, and more. Some of the puffiest sleeves known to humankind. If you remember the episode of "Friends" with the prom video of Monica and Rachel, you'll have a good idea of their selection. I found a lovely dark green chiffony number with a faux pearl brooch. It will look fab with my dress gray sneakers." Sounds like the perfect Reading Diva gown to me!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
No practice Tuesday, May 30....last opportunity to practice is Thursday, June 1
Did everyone have a great weekend? I did, even with the sunburn, but gosh it went by quickly. (The weekend, not the sunburn.)
Wow! The parade is this upcoming weekend. It is coming up so fast and the actual parade will go by so quickly we'll hardly realize we were in it.
It sounds like Karen found an appropriate gown for the event at a local consignment shop - can't wait to see it. I found a tiara at a store called "Icings" (I think it used to be Claire's) in the local mall. If you're still looking for one, they had a huge assortment ranging from $6 to $15. (Although I personally don't think they are very comfortable to wear for a long period of time.) If anyone needs a tiara for the day, I did find two of my children's costume tiaras and will have those with me for anyone to use.
Now that my sunburn is a bit more bearable, I need to seriously think about sewing a gown for the parade. The thought of putting on anything on my arms made me cringe so I didn't even bother beginning to sew the gown. Or maybe I will just wear my sequined disco-era butterfly top.....I usually wear it on Halloween, but it is so fun to wear I might pair it with a long black skirt and call it a gown.
Oh, did I mention that we have our banner carriers? Yea! Kris' two step-daughters have volunteered. English is not their native language, so Jose will be there to assist with any needed translations, but they are excited to be in the parade.
Hopefully someone has located a video or dvd camera to record the parade.
Did everyone have a great weekend? I did, even with the sunburn, but gosh it went by quickly. (The weekend, not the sunburn.)
Wow! The parade is this upcoming weekend. It is coming up so fast and the actual parade will go by so quickly we'll hardly realize we were in it.
It sounds like Karen found an appropriate gown for the event at a local consignment shop - can't wait to see it. I found a tiara at a store called "Icings" (I think it used to be Claire's) in the local mall. If you're still looking for one, they had a huge assortment ranging from $6 to $15. (Although I personally don't think they are very comfortable to wear for a long period of time.) If anyone needs a tiara for the day, I did find two of my children's costume tiaras and will have those with me for anyone to use.
Now that my sunburn is a bit more bearable, I need to seriously think about sewing a gown for the parade. The thought of putting on anything on my arms made me cringe so I didn't even bother beginning to sew the gown. Or maybe I will just wear my sequined disco-era butterfly top.....I usually wear it on Halloween, but it is so fun to wear I might pair it with a long black skirt and call it a gown.
Oh, did I mention that we have our banner carriers? Yea! Kris' two step-daughters have volunteered. English is not their native language, so Jose will be there to assist with any needed translations, but they are excited to be in the parade.
Hopefully someone has located a video or dvd camera to record the parade.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Another Diva worthy practice!
We are soooooo awesome aren't we? Looks like we will actually have 10 Reading Divas performing book cart drills - yes you heard me, 10 Reading Divas performing book cart drill in the parade. Whoo! Hoo! That means the line up changes just a tiny bit, there will be two rows of three carts and one row of four carts. Very impressive.
We are soooooo awesome aren't we? Looks like we will actually have 10 Reading Divas performing book cart drills - yes you heard me, 10 Reading Divas performing book cart drill in the parade. Whoo! Hoo! That means the line up changes just a tiny bit, there will be two rows of three carts and one row of four carts. Very impressive.
The question came up as to whether or not the parade goes on if there is rain the day of the parade. My guess is yes, it will happen as scheduled, but I am verifying with the festival organizers and will let you know the definitive answer.
The next (and probably last) practice is this Saturday, May 27, at 12 noon. Same place - the library in Eagan. If it is raining, we will meet in the lower level meeting room. If it is sunny, we'll be in the parking lot. Wear comfortable shoes as we'll run through the entire drill in one straight line AND practice turning a corner. I hope we don't slow traffic on the street in front of the library as we strut our stuff.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Change in date for book cart decorating!
Anyone who is available…the book cart decorating fun begins at 2:30 p.m. at SPPL across from Rice Park. I'm not sure exactly where in the library we'll do this, but all nine carts will be at that location Friday, June 2.
Sally and Kathleen from MELSA will both be there but they are looking for additional volunteers so that they won't be there all afternoon. SPPL has also agreed to let us store the carts there overnight (yea!), so we’ll pick them up when we all arrive for the parade line up.
Oh, and of course - there will be treats! (Thanks to Sally!)
Anyone who is available…the book cart decorating fun begins at 2:30 p.m. at SPPL across from Rice Park. I'm not sure exactly where in the library we'll do this, but all nine carts will be at that location Friday, June 2.
Sally and Kathleen from MELSA will both be there but they are looking for additional volunteers so that they won't be there all afternoon. SPPL has also agreed to let us store the carts there overnight (yea!), so we’ll pick them up when we all arrive for the parade line up.
Oh, and of course - there will be treats! (Thanks to Sally!)
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Attention Reading Divas! Two volunteer banner carriers needed; next practice is Thursday, May 25 at 5:30; and book cart decorating on Friday, June 2 at MELSA offices.
We have a couple of teens that have indicated that they *might* carry the banner, but we need to get those volunteers spots nailed down. MELSA has a large banner that can be carried in front of us that says "MELSA: An Alliance of Metro Public Libraries".
If we could get four volunteers total, we could have two carry the banner, and two walk on either side of the street carrying "applause" signs which they could hold up after the Divas bust a move (or whatever that old song says....).
Anyway, if you think of someone who would enjoy being in the parade sans formal wear here's their chance!
Practice
Practice is on for Thursday, May 25 beginning at 5:30. and there will be chocolate! We'll meet in the Wescott lower level meeting room and move outdoors (weather permitting). MELSA has requested some photos during practice, so heads up - I'll have the camera with me. My guess is we can be done in an hour. We're scheduled for practice Saturday, May 27 at noon - same place. And if all goes well, that will be the last one.
Book Cart Decorating
If anyone's schedule permits, the book cart decorating fun begins at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 2 at the MELSA offices. The more the merrier, and Sally has said she could be convinced to bring treats! Many hands make quick work (okay, okay, you librarians will have to let me know what the real saying is, but you know what I mean.)
That's it for now!
We have a couple of teens that have indicated that they *might* carry the banner, but we need to get those volunteers spots nailed down. MELSA has a large banner that can be carried in front of us that says "MELSA: An Alliance of Metro Public Libraries".
If we could get four volunteers total, we could have two carry the banner, and two walk on either side of the street carrying "applause" signs which they could hold up after the Divas bust a move (or whatever that old song says....).
Anyway, if you think of someone who would enjoy being in the parade sans formal wear here's their chance!
Practice
Practice is on for Thursday, May 25 beginning at 5:30. and there will be chocolate! We'll meet in the Wescott lower level meeting room and move outdoors (weather permitting). MELSA has requested some photos during practice, so heads up - I'll have the camera with me. My guess is we can be done in an hour. We're scheduled for practice Saturday, May 27 at noon - same place. And if all goes well, that will be the last one.
Book Cart Decorating
If anyone's schedule permits, the book cart decorating fun begins at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 2 at the MELSA offices. The more the merrier, and Sally has said she could be convinced to bring treats! Many hands make quick work (okay, okay, you librarians will have to let me know what the real saying is, but you know what I mean.)
That's it for now!
Monday, May 22, 2006
Next practice is Thursday, May 25 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Remember - the practice scheduled for Tuesday, May 23, has been cancelled. It appeared most of us were able to practice on Thursday, May 25 and Saturday, May 27. Right now the weather forecast is looking pretty good, so wear those tennies and sunglasses and be prepared to practice outdoors!
It sounds like we may have another Diva join us for this parade. Jen has done Diva performances with many of the DCL Divas, but this will be her first parade appearance. Welcome Jen!
I will be in town this upcoming holiday weekend since I am one of the few people in our state who does not have a cabin "up north" or on a lake. So, if I have the sashes prepared in time, I will bring them to our practice on Saturday. I will need volunteers to put the letters onto the sashes. I haven't experimented with this yet, but I'm leaning towards using iron-letter, mainly due to time and cost restraints. If anyone has a better suggestion I am all ears.
Remember - the practice scheduled for Tuesday, May 23, has been cancelled. It appeared most of us were able to practice on Thursday, May 25 and Saturday, May 27. Right now the weather forecast is looking pretty good, so wear those tennies and sunglasses and be prepared to practice outdoors!
It sounds like we may have another Diva join us for this parade. Jen has done Diva performances with many of the DCL Divas, but this will be her first parade appearance. Welcome Jen!
I will be in town this upcoming holiday weekend since I am one of the few people in our state who does not have a cabin "up north" or on a lake. So, if I have the sashes prepared in time, I will bring them to our practice on Saturday. I will need volunteers to put the letters onto the sashes. I haven't experimented with this yet, but I'm leaning towards using iron-letter, mainly due to time and cost restraints. If anyone has a better suggestion I am all ears.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Formal attire required!But what to choose? 1960s, 1970s, or 1980s? I thought it would be easier to find a retro or vintage prom dress or bridesmaid dress at the local thrift stores, but so far I haven't been successful. Fortunately, I can sew, so I dug through my extensive stash of old patterns (yes, I know, it is a strange thing to enjoy collecting) and found three that I think represent their eras very well. We have the simple, chic straight lines of the late 60s (Butterick pattern), the sweet, back to nature earth mother of the 70s (Simplicity pattern), and the over-the-top, look at me voluminous dress of the 80s (McCalls pattern ... although for you purists, this particular pattern is actually from 1991.) I'm leaning towards the 60s gown because it looks like it would be quicker to sew. Plus, as Anne pointed out, a large skirt could prohibit the movement required for our crowd-pleasing, awe-inspiring maneuvers with the book carts! It just wouldn't be Diva-like to fall face down in the street after getting tangled in the wheels of a cart.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Update on practice schedule
The practices scheduled for Saturday, May 20 and Tuesday, May 23 have been cancelled! The next practice dates are Thursday, May 25 and Saturday, May 27. We'll decide at that point if we need additional practices before our big debut! We still need two more volunteers to precede us in the parade and be the banner carriers. We still have three weeks, so I'm hopeful someone will want to join in once they find out how much fun we're having.
Speaking of practicing ... we had a fantastic practice last night! Seven team members Jan D, Laura E, Anne F, Sarah I, Sharon M, Linda S, and Ann T arrived raring to go! We revised the routine to accommodate a full team of nine members instead of twelve members, removed the cross over maneuver (which really works better with an even number of Divas), and added a new maneuver that we probably won't be able to perform without erupting into gales of giggles! Our hopes of moving the practice outdoors were dashed when the gorgeous sunny weather that existed for most of the day turned into cloudy skies and showers right when we began our practice. Figures, huh?
On to costumes....
Now that the routine is coming together so well, we need to think about our costumes! Linda S mentioned that Target has gloves available in the $1 bin section of their stores and a few of us were able to find a gown in the Dakota County Library gown collection. However, a few of us still need to find something to wear for the big day. The search begins in earnest this weekend as we scour thrift stores and garage sales for retro prom or bridesmaids gowns.
I pulled out my old patterns from my pattern collection in the hopes of finding a pattern for a gown suitable for a Reading Diva. Do I want to go 1960s, 1970s or 1980s? Hmmm, decisions, decisions, but I better choose soon as there isn't much time left! I'll post photos of the patterns I'm considering later.
The practices scheduled for Saturday, May 20 and Tuesday, May 23 have been cancelled! The next practice dates are Thursday, May 25 and Saturday, May 27. We'll decide at that point if we need additional practices before our big debut! We still need two more volunteers to precede us in the parade and be the banner carriers. We still have three weeks, so I'm hopeful someone will want to join in once they find out how much fun we're having.
Speaking of practicing ... we had a fantastic practice last night! Seven team members Jan D, Laura E, Anne F, Sarah I, Sharon M, Linda S, and Ann T arrived raring to go! We revised the routine to accommodate a full team of nine members instead of twelve members, removed the cross over maneuver (which really works better with an even number of Divas), and added a new maneuver that we probably won't be able to perform without erupting into gales of giggles! Our hopes of moving the practice outdoors were dashed when the gorgeous sunny weather that existed for most of the day turned into cloudy skies and showers right when we began our practice. Figures, huh?
On to costumes....
Now that the routine is coming together so well, we need to think about our costumes! Linda S mentioned that Target has gloves available in the $1 bin section of their stores and a few of us were able to find a gown in the Dakota County Library gown collection. However, a few of us still need to find something to wear for the big day. The search begins in earnest this weekend as we scour thrift stores and garage sales for retro prom or bridesmaids gowns.
I pulled out my old patterns from my pattern collection in the hopes of finding a pattern for a gown suitable for a Reading Diva. Do I want to go 1960s, 1970s or 1980s? Hmmm, decisions, decisions, but I better choose soon as there isn't much time left! I'll post photos of the patterns I'm considering later.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
May 18 practice
Is it possible that we are almost halfway through the month of May? Where does the time go? That means we only have just over two weeks of practice before our big "debut" at the Flint Hills Children's Festival on June 3. The organizers of that event are so excited to have the Library Reading Divas Book Cart Drill Team participating in their ARTmoves parade. They had invited us to do a perfomance on stage that afternoon also, but we just didn't have enough time this year to pull it together.
We have another practice scheduled for tonight with at least half of the team planning on attending. It sure has been a challenge to get the entire team together at one time...I suspect we won't actually be able to do a full team rehearsal until the day of the parade!
This will be the first practice date that the weather has been warm enough to allow us to go outside and practice. It'll be interesting to find out if the routine we've been practicing on nice even floors will be as simple to do on an uneven asphalt surface.
Is it possible that we are almost halfway through the month of May? Where does the time go? That means we only have just over two weeks of practice before our big "debut" at the Flint Hills Children's Festival on June 3. The organizers of that event are so excited to have the Library Reading Divas Book Cart Drill Team participating in their ARTmoves parade. They had invited us to do a perfomance on stage that afternoon also, but we just didn't have enough time this year to pull it together.
We have another practice scheduled for tonight with at least half of the team planning on attending. It sure has been a challenge to get the entire team together at one time...I suspect we won't actually be able to do a full team rehearsal until the day of the parade!
This will be the first practice date that the weather has been warm enough to allow us to go outside and practice. It'll be interesting to find out if the routine we've been practicing on nice even floors will be as simple to do on an uneven asphalt surface.
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