What is Doris Diaries

Series of Chapters

Doris Diaries is a warmly illustrated story series about friendship, independence, and finding hope in life’s next chapter. Each chapter follows 78-year-old widow Doris Kaminski as she navigates everyday changes, learns unfamiliar skills, forms new connections, and discovers how to accept help without giving up control of her life. Alongside her loyal beagle, Biscuit, Doris faces the realities of aging with honesty, resilience, and gentle humor.

Created especially with older readers in mind, each chapter can be enjoyed in one comfortable sitting and features beautiful watercolor illustrations that bring Doris’s world to life. Seniors may recognize their own experiences in her stories—from adjusting to life after loss and handling changing technology to maintaining independence and staying connected. Above all, Doris Diaries reminds readers that they are not alone and that friendship, purpose, laughter, and new possibilities can be found at every age.

Download Chapter 1 Free!!

An Afternoon with Doris is a warm, engaging presentation featuring a live reading from Doris Diaries, beautiful watercolor illustrations, and a thoughtful conversation about friendship, independence, aging, and beginning again. Creator Kathleen O’Neal also shares the personal inspiration behind the series and invites audience members to reflect, laugh, and connect through Doris’s experiences.

Based in Washington County, Maryland, Kathleen is available for local travel to senior centers, retirement communities, libraries, book clubs, churches, and community organizations. Each presentation is welcoming, interactive, and designed especially for older adults.

Book an Afternoon with Doris

Doris Diaries

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