Let Me Introduce Myself — I’m Grandma D

I’m a real grandma with a real dream, one that helps us women to find our purpose — to live rich and full lives, to bless others, to truly love ourselves just as we are, and to serve our heavenly Father with all our hearts. Sometimes that “loving ourselves” part is the hardest of all, isn’t it? That’s why I started this blog in the first place more than five years ago.

My real name is Diana (Rolison Toombs) Kinser. I’m very talkative, somewhat dramatic, and often a bit silly (just ask my family)! In addition to this blog, I am also an author, actor, entrepreneur, educator, Bible teacher, painter, and a very proud mother to Ryan and Leslie (I kind of have to be a mom to have grandkids, right?). I have a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Abilene Christian University which I earned a long, long time ago as well as my teaching certification from Texas Women’s University.

I taught in the Texas public school system for many years, most of those teaching kindergarten and first grade. They really were my “kids” in so many ways. In fact, I am still in touch with many of them, including those who have children of their own which makes me a “grandma” to a lot of little ones! The last few years before I retired, I taught fifth grade U.S. History and writing, two of my favorite subjects.

After I retired from teaching, I decided to fulfill another dream — to become an artist. I didn’t really have the experience, but I certainly had the desire. There was a small class in a back room of the local Hobby Lobby where I learned the basics of oil painting from a dear older gentleman who was quite talented. I picked up the skills quickly, and some of my paintings and prints have even been sold. (There is more information and photos of some of my favorite paintings on the Kinser Art tab above.).

I’ve Been a Busy Lady!

In addition to teaching, I have had a quite diverse career. I have been a newspaper journalist, editor, and feature writer, a television writer and reporter, a freelance book editor, a song writer, and a script and media writer for a nationally syndicated Christian television program.

In my “free” time, I have been a featured women’s retreat and conference speaker. I have also written and performed a one-woman show called, “Old Mary’s Memories.” It is the story of the Lord’s mother as she reminisces through the years. Even more exciting — I just finished writing a contemporary Christian women’s novel, the first in a trilogy. And book two is already halfway written as well.

The most important person in my life is my Savior, Jesus Christ. Everything I do, everything I write about is to glorify him and to help others to fall in love with him as I have. He is the only one that makes life fuller, richer and more blessed.

I live in Aubrey, Texas, a suburb north of Dallas, with my husband Clay and our two energetic miniature schnauzers, Gracie and Brody. We are blessed with one grandson and three granddaughters, including the cutest eight-year-old twins. They are, of course, all very smart and very loved!