It’s been busy!

Oh my goodness, so many things happening in my personal life…
John and I are adding on to our house. The demolition of the formal living and kitchen areas has begun. The funny thing is most people our age are downsizing and we are adding on. We decided it is cheaper than having to pay a new mortgage. It was fun watching the worn out cabinets from the 1980’s disappear. Living among the demolition has been an experience.

Transitioning to the new Publisher

Plum Creek Press will have Boomer Sees the Town – Boomer the Curious Bunny Book One, will be ready to purchase in August. I will keep you posted. More books to be coming in the Fall

INTERVIEWS

Meet the Illustrator for the series Boomer the Curious Bunny
Surya Ali Zalden

Tell us a little bit about yourself? Where you live, children etc.
“I’m an Indonesian artist based in Banten, where I balance my life as a parent of two with my passion for illustration. Though I hold a degree in Chemical Engineering and have multinational corporate experience, my creative journey took flight when I began contributing to microstock platforms. This experience became my training ground – I learned to create visually compelling work that communicates effectively with global audiences while meeting commercial demands.As my portfolio grew, I transitioned into children’s book illustration, where I now combine my technical precision from engineering, market awareness from microstock, and the pure joy of creating for young minds. My home in Banten constantly inspires me, and I love incorporating subtle Indonesian elements into my vibrant, imaginative illustrations.”

How did you get started in Illustrating children’s books?
“Ever since I was little, I’ve loved drawing—from doodling in my school notebooks to creating comic stories. That passion grew when I started contributing to microstock platforms, where I learned to create illustrations that were not only creative but also communicative for a global audience. That experience led me to my first children’s book project: an author discovered my work online, and that collaboration became my turning point. Now, I’m passionate about creating visuals that spark children’s imaginations, blending lessons from microstock (like color composition and simple storytelling) with the magic of children’s literature.”

Do you have a favorite picture of Boomer the Curious Bunny?
Absolutely! My favorite is the garden discovery scene where
Boomer’s little pink nose twitches with excitement as he encounters a hidden wonderland of flowers. I created this entirely in Adobe Illustrator using precise vector shapes and carefully layered gradients to bring Boomer’s fuzzy texture to life”

What is your favorite food?”Coming from Indonesia
“I’m absolutely spoiled with amazing flavors! My all-time favorites are tempe – especially crispy fried tempe with sambal, rich and dark rawon beef soup, and the legendary rendang that melts in your mouth. When I need an energy boost while illustrating, nothing beats pisang goreng (fried bananas) with a cup of strong Javanese coffee. These foods aren’t just delicious – they’re part of my creative fuel and Indonesian heritage!”

How do you illustrate your pictures?
Computer, or hand draw?”I blend both! I start with hand-drawn sketches to capture organic energy, then refine digitally (using Adobe illustrator). This lets me keep the warmth of traditional art while adding vibrant colors and textures digitally”. 
To learn more, drop him an EMAIL.

Chat

Alex Lewczuk and Merryn Hobson Southside Broadcasting
I enjoyed my conversation with Alex and Merryn. We covered many topics but mainly Rise a Girl’s Struggle for More. The Y/A book is based on my Grandma Ruby’s young life! I hope to inspire my readers to after your dreams.

Coming This Month on USA Global TV and Radio™ June 24!
Royally Confidential with Helena Chard and co-host Diann Floyd Boehm
Showcasing Hidden Cultural Gems of the UK
 
Purpose: The purpose of this live streaming show is to provide viewers with engaging, up-to-date highlights of significant events and cultural happenings in the United Kingdom, with a special focus on the Royal Family and the dynamic London area. Hosted by Helena Chard, an acclaimed reporter and royal photographer, alongside international author Diann Floyd Boehm from the United States, the show aims to offer unique perspectives and lively discussions on current UK affairs. By bridging British and American viewpoints, the program seeks to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of British culture, royal traditions, and London life for a global audience.

Gardening

May is the time my flowers bloom once more. It is so wonderful to walk outside and see all the fresh flowers. I wish you could see them all. We have sunflowers, Impatiens, Pride of Barbados, Society Garlic, Lemon Balls and Thorn Apples, to name just a few.

School Year

I attended the end of the year ceremony for the St. Michael’s Day School where I am on the school board. What a fun ceremony it was seeing the children excited to share what they had learned and watch them sing songs during their program. The school uses the Reggio Method of learning. The children at St. Michael’s Day School are very fortunate to have the freedom to explore, discover and learn.

Happy Birthday!

A shout out to my beautiful daughter, Katherine! Happy Birthday!

Dear Reader,

I believe we are at the end of winter. I am not one to like the cold, but I am grateful for the fun things the season of winter brings, like bonfires, skiing, dog sledding, fire places to name a few. I also love winter clothes. How about you? With that being said, there is something magical about each season. I am looking forward to Spring and sharing all the magic that takes place in my gardens and books

Boomer Sees The Town!

Boomer Sees the Town is the first book in the new Boomer Series. Book One is an updated version of Boomer the Curious Bunny. I am thrilled with the new look of Boomer and I know the children will be too. The hard and soft copies will be available in April on Amazon and other bookstores. But Guess what, you can have the Kindle version now. Thank you for your support. Be sure to get your Kindle copy by clicking this link. Stay tuned for more news about Boomer

Chat
Books and Pieces Magazine

Check my interview for Books and Pieces Magazine.
I always find it interesting, the reporters ask. They have a way of letting their readers learn more about me as an author and person.

Author Talk

I loved being on Author Talk, Podcast, with Aimee Ravichandran, Valerie Sweeten and Russell Little. What is special about their show is we talk about everything. One topic was web novel sites. If you have never heard of web novels, be sure to check it out as there are web novels in a variety of genres. All of us just have a fun time talking about life and what is going on in everyone’s world right then. Of course we spoke about my latest book, Boomer Sees the Town. Catch the replay. You can find them almost anywhere. The link above is on YouTube

Douglas Coleman Show

I had a great chat with the Douglas Coleman Show. It is a fun show where he asks questions not just about my books but about me. I truly appreciate the opportunity to let people know more about me. I will have the link for you in the near future.

Daniel Lucas Show

Daniel Lucas the founder of Book 101. He not only had his own show but also has a nonprofit to provide books to those in need.  Our conversation was free flowing as I had no idea what he was going to ask me which is what I love. To be authentic. Click on the link to catch the show. You can also connect with him on Linkedin.
nonprofit to provide books to those in need.  Our conversation was free flowing as I had no idea what he was going to ask me which is what I love. To be authentic. Click on the link to catch the show. You can also connect with him on Linkedin.

Happy Birthday!
A shout out to my beautiful daughter, Rachel! Happy Birthday!

Stay Tuned!
Last month I spoke about a new show with British Royal Photographer Helena Chard. We are still in the designing mode. We have put off starting the show because suddenly my left eye was bothering me. I went to the eye doctor and, much to my surprise; I need cataract surgery. Which will take place in a couple of weeks. So, as they say, never a dull moment in life. Once all is well, Helena will move forward, so stay tuned.

Please keep the people in California and North Carolina who lost their home in your prayers.

May we Continue to Pray for Peace

I am sure you are like me and ask, “Why can’t we all get along?”

So what we can do?

• Pray for peace
• Share Your Light to with others and make their day? Like a simple smile.

Song: Let Their Be Peace on Earth

Dear Reader,

Wow, can you believe it is already February! I found it absolutely amazing that time can fly by so quickly! So what have I been up to? Where do I begin!

The holidays were fabulous because my husband and I were with our grown children. I stayed longer in Virginia to help with various things and therefore experienced the snowfall. I was very excited to see snow and take in all its beauty. Plus, the snow kept me indoors, which kept me writing. I excitedly returned home to Texas, expecting warm weather after the snow, but snow fell in Austin. Granted, not as deep, but still for Austin, it was enough to close the schools. I am sure my father-in-law would laugh if he were here, since he literally walked to school in the snow as he was from Minnesota.

I wrote several articles that will come out later in this year and worked on editing several of my children’s books I have in the works. I do want to link you to an article I wrote several months ago, as you might have missed it with the holidays and all. A Mound of Clay for Relatable Media Art & Inspiration

As you know, I have been doing several shows over the years with USA Global TV and Radio™ and we have retired the show, UK News and Culture. But new things are just around the corner. Helena Chard, a British royal photographer and I are designing a new show that will air on USA Global TV and Radio™ soon.

Stay tuned for the updates.

I recently was on the Hollis Chapman Show, so be sure to catch it. He asked me insightful questions which I deeply appreciated. I always enjoy when a host wants to know about me and not just about my books. It gives the listeners an opportunity to know who I am, why I write, and much more. I am now a follower of his show as he seems to have guests from all walks of life as well as him sharing words of wisdom. For example, teach your kids about money and saving for a rainy day. Click here to catch the show.

March will bring new updates on the Boomer Series.
Be sure to catch Boomer Sees the Town on Kindle. It is published by Norns Triad Publications. Check out all their books, they have something for everyone. You can find all my books on Amazon or at your favorite bookstores. May February fill your heart with joy and many blessings.

Please keep the people in California and North Carolina who lost their home in your prayers.

May we Continue to Pray for Peace

I am sure you are like me and ask, “Why can’t we all get along?”

So what we can do?

• Pray for peace
• Share Your Light to with others and make their day? Like a simple smile.

Josh Groban: Never Walk Alone

Dear Reader,

As many of us say where has this year gone! I remember saying to my grandma, the day after Christmas, gosh we have to wait a whole year before next Christmas. I wish we could have it every day.” Her reply was, “Don’t worry dear one day the years will fly by.” Boy was she right, but I have also come to to know we can have Christmas everyday as for me Christmas is “Love”. What a wonderful way to end the year by celebrating Christmas with love in our heart. 

I have much to share in regards to stories, interviews etc. but this newsletter I truly wish to just say Thank you. Thank you for being an inspiration for me. It is not how many followers you it is how much the followers really care. It is your feedback that let’s me know I am making a difference with my stories. I enjoy reading the various emails and how you either read or share the books with others.

You have no idea how it makes my day. In the hustle and bustle for this time of year do slow down and take a minute to breathe and tell yourself how special you are. As we close out the year and begin to ring may all your wishes come true. I hope this holiday season is filled with peace, joy, and love. 

Diann

Listen Blurb: Diann Floyd Boehm’s Timeless Stories for All Ages in the World Authors Organization.

May we Continue to Pray for Peace

I am sure you are like me and ask, “Why can’t we all get along?”

So what we can do?

• Pray for peace
• Share Your Light to with others and make their day? Like a simple smile.

 Susan Boyle: Oh Holy Night

Thanksgiving

In the United States celebrates Thanksgiving the last Thursday in November every year. In my family Thanksgiving is a big celebration as we basically have a family reunion. During our celebration, we express gratitude to all the farmers, ranchers, and everyone else involved in bringing us the food we enjoy. We give thanks to God for the blessings in life and we remember our family members who are now in heaven. We also follow our parents’ lead to use this day to bring cousins together to celebrate family and keep the tradition of celebrating with extended family – as family is everything. For you and your family, I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving when and where you celebrate in the world.

Life

I wish I could say I have been doing a lot of writing, but as they say, you can plan to do one thing, but life can throw you a curve ball, and life sent a huge one my way. My brother, Mike, who was not even sick, left this world. It was a shocker. It is amazing how a person can be so full of life, have so many plans with his family and then poof. No more. His family and mine can continue on knowing that Mike, who loved our Lord, is discovering just how great His love is. It is hard to breathe, but I have to take a deep breath and give thanks for the time we had. He was visiting John and I about 3 weeks ago and we made plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Who knew that hug, and love you, would be the last we would ever have? So please, love your kids, loved ones, and tell them just how much they mean. If you are interested in learning more about my brother, click the button below… 

Every day is a gift; let gratitude be our daily practice

May we Continue to Pray for Peace

There are so many countries at war.  I am sure you are like me and ask, why we all cant get along.  So what we can do:

So what we can do?

• Pray for peace
• Share Your Light to with others and make their day? Like a simple smile.

Make Me a Channel of Your Peace