New Orleans

We had a great time in New Orleans for the ODACA convention. We went a few days early so we could enjoy New Orleans. Our hotel - the Roosevelt - was fabulous! Full of old historic New Orleans charm.

For our first night in The Big Easy we had dinner at the Bourbon House, where we ordered the seafood tower. This is becoming a Bodin tradition!

seafood tower was devoured

thumbs up for the Bourbon House

We took a pedi-cab back to the hotel.

Yes, our driver pedaled all four of us back to the hotel (and he's still smiling!)

What trip to New Orleans is complete without brunch at Brennan’s? Our first morning there…

Hmmm.....will it be the Eggs Sardou or the Eggs Hussarde?

eye openers

Of course you have to order bananas foster for dessert!

ooooh!

Dinner that night at another Brennan’s eatery: Dickie Brennan’s steakhouse

The Sisters
  

Sunday morning brunch at Commander’s Palace (Bodins love brunch!).

Sunday night it was a quick dinner at the Royal House Oyster Bar,

and then, lest you think all we do is eat and drink in New Orleans (although that is fairly accurate!), a Ghost/Haunts/Voodoo tour of the French Quarter.

looking for ghosts in Pirate's Alley

ODACA 2012

The Original Doll Artist Council of America (ODACA) Conference was set in New Orleans this year, so attending was a no-brainer! The theme and program given by Maryanne Oldenburg was Bal Masque.

 

We had three wonderful new artists inducted this year:

Lillian Alberti

Sarah Maldonado

Wendy Rinehart

Outgoing president Christine Shively was honored for her years of service to ODACA.

The sales room was lively….

The luncheon on Monday had table centerpieces made by

Angela Jarecki


Christine Shively


Marilynn Huston


Marsha Krohn



Gloria "Mimi" Winer

One lucky winner from each table got to take home a centerpiece doll.

And many dolls were donated by ODACA artists for raffle. Here are just a few…


Here's the little guy I donated:

 

Winner of my doll

The highlight of the luncheon of course is the souvenir doll, which each luncheon attendee receives. This year’s souvenir dolls were made by our incoming president, Adele Sciortino. Here they are waiting for the great unveiling. 

 The excitement builds as the boxes with the dolls are distributed.  Everyone waits for the signal to open the boxes all at once.

Happy luncheon patrons with their souvenir dolls.

 

Adele outdid herself with her creations – each one is individually made and unique!