By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills The holidays are marching toward us much faster than we can imagine. We treasure those special moments with family and friends, but menus, activities, parties, shopping, and decorating can rob our enthusiasm plus put a dent in our budgets. We embrace all the wonder of  the big three holidays: Thanksgiving Christmas New Year Careful planning is

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Are you an apple fan? Does your mouth water at the sight of the red, green, and yellow fruit display at the grocery? Do you stop and simply want to sink your teeth into sweetness? Does a Delicious, Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious or Granny Smith send you to apple paradise? You might like tossing apples with

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Many of us are asked to volunteer our time and talents for worthwhile causes. Moments in our lives when we can reach out with joy to help others. We’re excited and pave a way through our busy lives to make sure the task is done well. Occasionally though, an opportunity is presented where we don’t feel

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills For many of us, September marks the beginning of autumn. This is a month of change, a time to welcome a new season. Actually, September 22nd is the official first day of fall. While here in Houston, temps soar near three digits. We do know cooler temps are on the way, and we’re excited. As we

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Two weeks ago, my husband and I packed the car for a four-night, five-day road trip. We needed a getaway for mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual reasons. While we covered miles exploring new sights, sounds, and adventures, we relaxed. From Houston to Oklahoma to the Texas Panhandle, we strengthened our relationship, laughed, and shared our hopes

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills A true best friend is a rare and cherished person. Whether you are a man or woman, this person will share concern and not judge. Heart-to-heart talks are based on respect and sincerity. Many of you have spouses who are your best friend. You are so fortunate! Others look to sisters, brothers, cousins, mothers, dads, and

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Are you authentic? Are you without a doubt genuine, reliable, trustworthy, and dependable? No cracks in your plaster? Known for your honesty? Faithful? Real? We’d all like to check the “yes” box for all those noble traits, but sometimes living up to authenticity isn’t easy. Through experience, we acquire the characteristics that earn us respect and

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills America is 242 years old on July 4th, 2018. Americans all over the country will be enjoying a red, white, and blue holiday. Young and old will proudly carry Old Glory high and lead out parades through the streets of our communities. Family and friends plan barbecues to continue the celebration, and when the sun disappears

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills It’s June, and most people are looking forward to a vacation. But is that on your summer calendar? For some, a staycation makes more sense. Tension and stress war against our minds and bodies, making it critical to leave our work-related obligations behind. Becoming consumed day after day with fulfilling responsibilities is a vicious trap. We

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Lions fascinate me. They represent nobility and respect, and their muscular bodies are to be admired and feared. No fat anywhere. Like I hope my stories resonate with readers. The more I thought about lions, the more I realized writing a novel has much in common with these animals. Here are my 10 comparisons. If you