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Archives for November 2017

Savoring November + Thanksgiving Decor

November 17, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

savoring november

This year, I’m savoring November. On November 1, I began placing a few Thanksgiving decorations around so I can enjoy them all month. And I’ve been using my turkey dishes rather than pulling them down the day before Thanksgiving which is how it usually works.

There’s no rule against serving scrambled eggs on turkey dishes. Right?

This year, for whatever reason, I feel better organized, at least with my decor. And I cannot wait to have the whole family together. It’s been MONTHS since I’ve seen my kids (who aren’t kids but will always be kids). They are adults who live in Austin and Denver.

Every single day, I’m so incredibly thankful to be their Mom.

My "kids"

Every.Single.Day.

It seems the whole country has fast forwarded to Christmas, skipping Thanksgiving altogether. At least that’s what the retailers would have us believe. I hold fast to the idea that Thanksgiving deserves its own time separate from the hustle and bustle of Christmas. I never decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving. Don’t judge, I’m no Scrooge. I LOVE Christmas. I just happen to love Thanksgiving, too.

Thanksgiving is a time for reflective thankfulness. Quiet Thanksgiving helps me prepare for holly jolly Christmas. Its stillness and simplicity is like a prelude to Advent.

I think we all need a peaceful prelude.

Continue Reading

the amazing grace of AUTUMN

November 11, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

the amazing grace of autumn

Oh my stars. The amazing grace of autumn is truly astounding. Here we are ankle deep in autumn, and I can’t get over the trees. I’m a new mother showing off pictures of her baby. I’m me showing off pictures of Lucy and Annabelle. Nothing whatsoever wrong with either scenario. Just a disclosure of what’s to come.

Pictures of trees.

And so here I go with a few of the pictures I took yesterday.

Filtered only by the grace of God.

Amazing grace for sure.

This is the block behind our house. The only thing missing is THE Great Pumpkin. The sidewalk is buried and that equals fun strolling.

ankle deep in autumn

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Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig.

November 9, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

The view from our sleeping porch

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig. I’m back home after spending five days with Momma and my sister, Staci, at home-home in Mississippi County, Arkansas. (I’ve said this before, but home-home is where I’m from, and home [singular] is where I live now.)

When we were kids, Momma always said, “Home again, home again, jiggety jig,” every time we pulling into the carport. After a trip to the lake. After a trip to Big Star. After a trip anywhere.

You remember that nursery rhyme, don’t you? There are lots of versions. The jingle has been quoted in many television shows, movies, and books. (Stephen King, I’m looking at you and It.)

The version I know:

To market, to market, to buy a fat pig,
Home again, home again, jiggety-jig.
To market, to market, to buy a fat hog,
Home again, home again, jiggety-jog.
To market, to market, to buy a plum bun,
Home again, home again, market is done.
(Oxford Dictionary of Nursery Rhymes)

Now I say it. Not always, but sometimes. Because I’ve turned into Momma.Continue Reading

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Hi! I'm Talya Tate Boerner. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (2022)

THE THIRD ACT OF THEO GRUENE (coming 2025)

Recent Ramblings:

  • Sunday Letter: 11.23.25
  • Maggie and Miss Ladybug: My New Children’s Nature Book
  • Sunday Letter: November 9, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 26, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 5, 2025

Novels:

Coloring Books:

Fiction-Themed Coloring Books

Backyard Phenology:

Children’s Nature Book:

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