grace grits and gardening

ramblings from an arkansas farm girl

  • Home
  • About
  • Media
  • Crafts
  • Farm
  • Food
  • Garden
  • Reading & Books
  • Sunday Letter
  • SHOP!
  • Privacy Policy

Sunday Letter: 02.27.22

February 27, 2022 By Talya Tate Boerner 18 Comments

Sunday Letter

Dear Sunday Letter friends,

February is nearly gone. Hopefully when it leaves it will take all the ice with it. I’m ready for all the blooming plants. I want to see soil that isn’t covered in ice. I want to go home to the farm and watch tractors and planters moving through the fields. New life sprouting in straight rows—ahhh! Doesn’t that sound nice?

Leo Tolstoy wrote the two most powerful warriors are patience and time.

That’s the truth.

Time is a precious commodity—I feel it in my bones. Still, I want to rush through the end of winter, wishing away days that aren’t ideal.

Do you do this too?

Game Day!

A few days last week were drudgery for me. I had cabin fever, also known as case of the heebie jeebies brought on by no sunshine and an ice storm.

Thank the Lord for great neighbors who invited us next door to eat chili and play games all afternoon. My heebie jeebies quickly morphed into such a good time. I think we’ve discovered the perfect snow day routine.

Men at Work

Through the years we’ve been fortunate to have amazing neighbors!

Wouldn’t it be great to hand-pick all your favorite friends and neighbors and all live nearby in a fabulous area? It’s the stuff of our favorite sit-coms. Think Friends, I Love Lucy, Seinfeld.

Would this be a good thing or would it get old?

I’d try it.

Quick Kitchen Tip

I made grapefruit vanilla shortbread again a few days ago. Have you tried it yet? It really is a uniquely delicious dessert.

https://gracegritsgarden.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Grapefruit_Vanilla_Shortbread_720p.mp4

The recipe calls for room temperature butter.

I don’t know why, but I have the hardest time letting butter come to room temperature. I know from experience if a recipe calls for room temperature butter, you must bide your time. Try to soften the butter in the microwave, and your cookies will spread as flat as the Mississippi River Delta.

I have, however, learned a quick tip to speed along the process.

  • Cut the cold butter into pieces.
  • Warm a bowl by running hot water over it and then thoroughly drying it.
  • Turn the bowl over the butter and let the bowl’s heat do its quick magic.

Sunday Letter: Kitchen Tip

Try it! You’ll have room temp butter in half the time.

Wanna Know What’s Unnerving?

Watching your husband read your manuscript for the very first time.

My next book is in the works and will hopefully be available this fall. (My professional editor is scheduled to begin her edits this week). In the meantime, I decided John should take a look at it.

Have I told you the title?

It’s Bernice Runs Away.

Soooo, we printed it.
All the words on all the paper.
Stacked on the kitchen table, a fresh white ream now alive with a story no one has read.
From brain to computer to the pulp of wood.
Seeing it in print made it all the more real to me.

And so he began reading.

Bernice Runs Away manuscript

While some may believe a spouse would automatically gush over anything his other half writes, John is not like that (and I mean that in the best way). He is objective. He isn’t going to sugar coat anything. And if there is a major problem or something that doesn’t work, he will tell me. A writer needs that feedback.

Here’s the thing: until I receive honest critique, I can pretend Bernice Runs Away is the best thing since Rotel cheese dip.
You will adore it.
Reese Witherspoon will choose it for the Hello Sunshine Book Club.
Positive reviews will flow like rain from a summer cloudburst.
Negative reviews (oh, there are always a few negative reviews) will be kind and heartfelt.

Ha! These are the things I pretend until I hear otherwise.

John is the quietest reader EVER.

While he reads, I distract myself. I wipe down the pantry shelf and dust the dining room table. I fold a load of laundry and iron a few shirts. I listen for any chuckle, every turn of the page, the scratch of his red pencil against paper.

Maddening, I tell you.

But exciting too!

He finished reading it last night, and I am extremely pleased (and relieved) by his feedback❣❣❣ Not to brag, but Bernice Runs Away sure held his attention way better than the book he’s been trying to read (and if you knew the book he’s been reading, you’d know that’s saying something).

Whew.

Things Momma Says:

If I have to iron it, it’s outta here.

***

Thanks for putting up with my winter blahs the last couple of weeks. Our daughter and son-in-law had planned to be here this weekend, but for the second time this month, their flight from Austin was cancelled. (The first time due to bad weather; no idea the reason for Friday’s cancellation.)

We were all so disappointed. And I was sad too. We’ve not seen them since August.

When my kids were little, I never imagined going for such a long time without seeing them. This last cancellation had me really blue. But I think about recent world developments and know a flight cancellation is nothing compared to what’s going on in Ukraine.

We are not dodging missiles or being forced to take up arms against an invasion. We have luxuries others only dream of—basic rights—choices—freedoms—all because of our birthplace.

It’s hard to imagine there are people on this planet who have power over peace and war. What’s unfolding overseas is horrific and unnecessary and will affect all of us. I pray for wise decisions from world leaders and comfort to those living in fear.

This too shall pass. I hope.

💔

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

Filed Under: Sunday Letter Tagged With: Bernice Runs Away, end of winter

Wanna receive my monthly Newsletter? Sign up here!

Comments

  1. Cathyv says

    February 27, 2022 at 7:42 am

    Hang in there Talya.
    Remember that part of having great neighbors is being a great neighbor. I am sure you are that!
    Also, I agree with your mama on ironing.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 27, 2022 at 8:28 am

      I hope I am. And I have a feeling lots of people side with Momma on ironing.

      Reply
  2. Sissy Abbott says

    February 27, 2022 at 9:14 am

    I agree with your mama!

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 27, 2022 at 2:53 pm

      Haha!

      Reply
  3. Barbara Tate says

    February 27, 2022 at 9:41 am

    I don’t even have an iron here in Fayetteville. I have one in the Bat Cave “at home” but have never used it. Our Fayetteville family got together yesterday to watch Arkansas beat Kentucky. WooooPigSooooie!! I have no clue about BERNICE RUNS AWAY. I guess Talya knows me too well. Great Sunday Letter, Talya; you are so good with words.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 27, 2022 at 2:52 pm

      Thank you! You’ll be next to read it, after my editor.

      Reply
  4. Ann Hall says

    February 27, 2022 at 9:42 am

    Excited about your completed manuscript! Can’t wait to see it in print! Ann

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 27, 2022 at 2:52 pm

      Thanks, me too!

      Reply
  5. Julie says

    February 27, 2022 at 12:29 pm

    I opened this just as I was grating my grapefruit and getting ready to squeeze the juice to make my second production! The first was so good, I’m repeating it for tonight’s dinner w son and gf. I have to tell you my clever adaptation. I didn’t want to buy Pink Himalayan salt or pink peppercorns ( both due to difficulty in finding here and how I don’t appreciate designer salts and peppers. I’m sure they are good and unique, just didn’t want them in my too crowded spices). Anyway, I had hibiscus tea so I brewed a cup, poured a little over kosher salt and fresh ground per in a strainer and voila: the tea stained it a pretty pink color. And I opened a dry hibiscus tea bag to sprinkle on top with the salt and pepper. Oh I was patting myself on the back for that cleverness! We did love the dessert, thank you for sharing.
    My dh bet my Kentucky BIL on the game, dh wins a quarter.
    Looking forward to the new book!

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 27, 2022 at 2:53 pm

      Very clever!! I’m glad you like the shortbread too. It’s yummy.

      Reply
  6. Donna M Wood says

    February 28, 2022 at 8:46 am

    I’ll be anxiously awaiting the release of your latest book.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      March 1, 2022 at 1:58 pm

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  7. Dorothy Johnson says

    February 28, 2022 at 11:09 am

    I’m eager to read about Bernice’s adventures. I know it will be a good book. Also, I understand your winter blahs. I was so happy to wake up to sunshine and find all the ice had finally melted off our deck and patio. I hope your Texas kids can reschedule soon. It’s hard not to see our children and just wait until there are grandchildren. Your mentioning the Grapefruit shortbread was a reminder to put grapefruit on my grocery list. I can almost taste it!

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      March 1, 2022 at 1:59 pm

      Thanks, Dorothy! Maybe you would agree to be an early reader?

      Reply
  8. Brent Boyd says

    February 28, 2022 at 11:53 am

    Talya is a great neighbor because she shares her Grapefruit Vanilla Shortbread! It’s as tasty as it looks.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      March 1, 2022 at 1:57 pm

      That’s quite the compliment coming from the cookie whisperer!

      Reply
  9. Colene says

    February 28, 2022 at 8:54 pm

    I’m late to read your Sunday letter but it’s just as enjoyable on a Monday. I feel your pain about missing your kiddos! We don’t see our family near often enough to suit me.
    That is so exciting to have your next book ready to roll. I’m sure looking forward to reading it.
    Momma has my vote on ironing. I do bend on occasion!
    The sun was a welcome sight today and our snow has all but disappeared. I hope winter is over but I won’t be surprised if we have more wintry weather in March! Yikes it will be March in a few hours. When they say if March comes in like a lion it goes out like a lamb what happens if it comes in like a lamb?

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      March 1, 2022 at 2:01 pm

      I thought about the whole March lion thing this morning. We still have ice on our driveway which faces north and is the last to melt in all of Fayetteville it seems! It is beautiful here today!

      Reply

COMMENT: Cancel reply

Talya Tate Boerner


Hi! I'm Talya. 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 (Now Available!)

Click to BUY NOW!

Talya Tate Boerner books
Gene, Everywhere

Never miss a blog post! Subscribe via email:

Receive my Monthly Newsletter?

Most Popular Posts…

  • Sunday Letter: 01.29.23
  • Yum Yum Cake - old southern recipe!
  • How to harvest Coneflower Seeds
  • Nana's Strawberry Cake (the real one)
  • How to Host a Cake Walk

Most Recent

  • Sunday Letter: 01.29.23
  • Sunday Letter: 01.15.23
  • Sunday Letter: 01.08.23
  • Sunday Letter: 12.18.22
  • Sunday Letter: 12.11.22

Grace Grits index

Prior Posts

Search Categories

Tags

A to Z April Blog Challenge Autumn BAT Book Reviews childhood Christmas creative writing prompt Dallas Desserts Eureka Springs Fall Fayetteville Food Gracie Lee Halloween Hemingway-Pfeiffer home humor Johnson Family Keiser Lake Norfork Lucy and Annabelle Mississippi County Mississippi Delta moving Munger Place Nana nature Northeast Arkansas Northwest Arkansas Osceola poem Reading Schnauzer simple living simple things spring spring gardening Summer sunday letter Talya Tate Boerner novel The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee Thomas Tate Winter Wordless Wednesday
Follow on Bloglovin

Food. Farm. Garden. Life.

THANKS FOR READING!

All content and photos Copyright Grace, Grits and Gardening © 2023 · Web Hosting By StrataByte