Life & Work with Diane Bailey Nutz of Gilbert

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Bailey Nutz.

Hi Diane, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My husband Dan calls me an overgrown teenager. He means it as a compliment, I think! I thrive on activity. As a kid, adults referred to me as that Tomboy. Playing kickball and softball with the boys, skating, doing stunts on the playground bars, dancing, biking…you name it. I lived for it! Now as a Granny and even a Great Granny, I am not much different. Dan and I ride our tandem bike about three times a week and me with my daredevil genetics came up with a fun little stunt. We have heard the most amusing remarks as I stand on the back seat with one leg extended behind me. They probably have no idea how “Nutz” we really are! On a normal week, we both exercise six days a week. I used to work out to keep looking young. But now at almost age 72, I work out to feel good. Being healthy has become more imperative to me after raising eight active and healthy children and working with individuals with unique needs (35 years). I have found some things to keep me just as busy, almost. My large family will always come first though. But, in my “free time” I started a nonprofit five years ago, Pamper Our Parents-Uplift those who uplift, that helps struggling parents all over the country. Also, Dan and I will soon be serving our third LDS senior couple mission, sharing our love for the Savior. And then most recently, I have published my fifth book, Spreading Branches of Kindness, mainly for children this time. I used a pen name on two of my books because they are private journeys in my life. All of my books are written to help people with their challenges and to recognize how we are all God’s children and should be treated as such.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Writing Spreading Branches of Kindness is one of my most recent challenges. I felt that I may not be successful in conveying the importance of being kind to others. It may seem mundane or repetitive. However, I felt prompted to follow through in gathering true stories and for my first time, I am writing mainly to children. Since I have noticed the slow progressive downhill trend of children being given less time for creativity and developing hand-eye coordination, I planned on having a sketch per each story that would cover one whole page so children could color. I worked on this for over one year and was not able to attain personal sketches for each story, so I used some AI creations. It is my goal that this book will not only entertain children but assist with their proper brain development as well as social skills. I feel pleased with the final result of Spreading Branches of Kindness and hope it opens doors to young and old to gain courage in being kind amidst negative pressure from others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Some would say being in your 70’s is old. But I feel like 70 is the new 40. So as long as I am blessed with good health, I will keep striving to make the best of my life. I have learned how important it is to serve and that makes me proud as it has not always been easy. I was quite an introvert until I married Dan. He has always been supportive of me, which has made me more confident. For some, it is even easier to serve than to be served. When we lost our 20-year-old daughter over 23 years ago, I basically had to stand back and allow others to serve me. It was extremely uncomfortable as I was the president of the women’s organization in my church. It was surreal. I was the one supposed to be serving others! This experience humbled me. I gained empathy for those in similar circumstances. All five of my books are meant to serve; serve those who feel their life has very little hope or none at all. Each book gives insight to help people recognize they are not alone. And being Nutz, I always include some humor in my books since that always uplifts! My books are meant to help the reader open up their heart and realize that God loves them and has a plan. Spreading Branches of Kindness has 42 true short stories with a picture to color next to each story. Parents/siblings…will enjoy reading to younger children and open up conversations, even tough ones, about kindness.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My success is not measured monetarily. We live a simple life, but it brings me complete happiness. If any of my books help even just one person, then all my work, time, and money are worth it!

Pricing:

• Amazon Spreading Branches of Kindness (hard cover) $17.99
• Amazon Trixie Neal books vary from month to month in pricing
• Amazon Look IN Me and The UP-side of Down very in pricing

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pamperourparents.info/
• Email: dbnlookinme@gmail.com

 

Image Credits
Book cover by Lara Wynter, photos by Dan Nutz, Sketches by Betty Roberts, Aiden Hall, Grace Stephens, Tavin Wilcox, Makston Luke