By DiAnn Mills @DiannMills Recently I posted on Facebook the question: What is the best part of getting older? Within two minutes of pressing post, I had comments. The responses were varied, and I giggled at many of them. Here’s the ranked list: Grandkids (This one was mentioned the most. In my opinion, there is a reason they are called …
Get Out of Dodge—Where Did That Phrase Originate?
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Less than a month ago, my city, Houston, met the challenge of Hurricane Beryl. I’ve experienced hurricanes before, but this one got my attention. I felt like I was living in a documentary about those who attempt to ride out a storm. And don’t get me started on the days without power in 90+ degree temps …
Smiling Takes the Bite out of Stress
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills This is not an article on ways remove stress from your life. Neither am I offering an instructional guide to eliminating stress by getting organized, exercising more, eating nutritionally sound, praying more, learning to say no, journaling your feelings, seeking counseling, taking prescription meds, or exploring the many ways to reduce stress. There are plenty of …
July 30—International Friendship Day
By DiAnnMills @DiAnnMills International Friendship Day is celebrated on July 30th. This is a special time to acknowledge and appreciate our friends around the globe. Those special people could live next door or across the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans. We are fortunate in today’s world to enjoy relationships from the screens of our electronic devices. No travel needed, only a …
Creating Sanctuary Moments
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills I’ve come to a place in life where I can freely admit my adult years have been spent on a quest to create sanctuary moments. I think most of us have an unsettling, restless, search for balance that has the potential to bring peace to our souls. Faith is the most important component to achieve lasting …
Summer Hits of the 60s
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills I graduated from high school in 1969, and the summer music of the 60s transport me back in time with sweet memories and lots of laughter. Now, for all of you who are doing the math and have calculated my age—keep it to yourself. 😊 Who can resist the summer hits of the 60s? I’ve listed …
Your Imagination’s WOW Factor
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Writers use their imaginations to mentally transport readers into an adventure, an unforgettable experience. The goal is for the reader to step into the character’s shoes and walk a magnificent journey. Imagination and creativity are not the same, but they work together. Imagination propels creativity by connecting what our mind sees with how best to show …
How Do Americans Celebrate the Fourth of July?
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Raise the American flag! Proudly display the red, white, and blue! Breathe in patriotism! Thank God for our nation! America’s 248th birthday hails as a spectacular event for the entire country. America’s 248th birthday is a spectacular event celebrated across the entire country. No matter where you live in the United States—from Alaska and Hawaii to …
Story Souls: The Magic of Characters
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills I believe stories have souls that breathe immortality into a reader’s life. An unforgettable story steps beyond “Once upon a time” to a kingdom that captures the heart of a reader forever. Not every story has that golden world, and not every reader experiences the same soul-grabbing story. What lingers as a memorable novel for me …
Entrusting Our Pain to a Good God
DiAnnMills @DiAnnMills By Dr. Michelle Bengtson @DrMBengtson Jesus warned that while we live on earth, we will experience pain, suffering, trials, and tribulations. In my own life, and in the lives of most of my patients coming to see me as a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, I’ve seen how words, events, and actions wound our heart. If left untreated, they often …