By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Last Wednesday I hosted an annual Ladies Holiday Brunch in my home. I’ve been inviting friends to this yearly event for over 12 years. It’s my way of giving back to the precious women I love, ones I wish I could spend more time with during the year.  If only I could invite every friend both

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills I’m an Elf on the Shelf kinda gal. I like the idea of someone hiding Mr. Elf and me looking for him the next morning, as though he took wings during the night. Guess that proves there’s a bit of a kid in me, and I daresay in all of us. I took a peek at

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills We treasure this time of year, the season of giving and receiving. Love seems deeper, and it’s easier to laugh. We more easily excuse those who offend us or make mistakes, and life is just a little brighter. Maybe our improved attitude stems from peace on earth good will to men and our spirit of generosity.

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Thanksgiving will be here in less than two weeks. We are a country that has much to be thankful for, and we want our traditional holiday to be memorable for the great food. If you’re like me, you’ve been scouring through old cook books, tried and true recipes, and online and print magazines like Southern Living

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Last Monday, we buried my mother. She was almost 86 and in declining health. Near the end, she slipped into a coma and died peacefully. She’s buried beside Dad, and together they’re catching up in heaven. When I received the call of Mother’s death, I was numb. I realized grief is . . . A nagging

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills I’m always looking for a solid TV show, one that entertains while I’m learning from the writers. This blog is totally from my perspective as a writer. Solid entertainment in a TV show must have the following: Three dimensional characters. Inner and outer landscape problems – even if it takes several weeks or the whole series

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills We all have something that frightens us. Our list of fears is endless—heights, flying, public speaking, the dark, snakes, spiders, falling, doctors, germs, and the list goes on. Today is Columbus Day, and I wonder what Christopher Columbus might have been afraid of. Here are six things that I doubt he feared because history shows us

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Although the temperature highs here in Houston haven’t dipped below 85, I have my home decorated in colorful fall reminders. Perhaps the gold and orange will usher in cooler temps. I also have my list of favorite recipes and new ones to try out on my husband before presenting them to guests. Whether it’s a breakfast item,

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Have you ever searched through old family memorabilia and found a spark of excitement? While looking through old photographs and yellowed letters, I discovered how my husband’s deceased aunt made her lifelong dream come true. Aunt Marj’s goal was to have a consignment shop of unique handmade gift items. She never stopped thinking about it, and

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Those of you who know me are aware of my fondness for coffee. My bio even states I’m a coffee snob. Actually, just like some of you have a favorite recipe for triple layer chocolate cake or yeast rolls or delicious soup, I’m particular about my coffee. This weekend, I roasted some of my favorite beans