Sunday Letter: March 2, 2025

Dear Sunday Letter friends~

Surprise! I’m back. Wow. I can’t believe I’ve not written a Sunday Letter since Christmas. Sometimes when our plates get overloaded, we have to take a step back. That’s what happened to me, and really, it was perfect timing, this stepping back I did. The coldest part of winter is my favorite time to hunker down and regroup. Now, as spring approaches, I can spring forward.

You know, for a while, I couldn’t think of anything worthwhile to say. I’m concerned about our nation, our environment, whole groups of people who are suffering and fearful—what could I possibly have to say in such a volatile time? But maybe this is exactly the time to spread hopefulness. To keep on keeping on. To celebrate the tiny crocus flowers pushing through the cold earth. To focus on good things.

So for now, that’s what I’ll continue doing.

Boy oh Boy!

I’m a Nana now! Liam is adorable and perfect, and we are head over heels in love. Suddenly his very existence has filled a hole in our family the none of us knew we had.

What’s more hopeful than a sweet little swaddled baby?

Send me all the Nana tips:)
Of course, I learned from the best!

One Little Word

Do you choose One Little Word for the new year? This marks my tenth year to do this, and I find it to be a powerful thing. Having a word to rally around throughout the year helps keep me focused.

In past years, a few of the words I’ve chosen include believe, balance, savor, grow, refresh, and simplify.

This year, after much contemplation, I chose INVEST. I want to invest in my writing craft, my health, my relationships with friends and family, and my peace of mind.

A few ways I am doing this:

• I purchased a membership to MasterClass (when it was half price at Christmas) and plan to take as many classes as possible this year. Classes on any and every topic. So far I’ve participated in a writing class with Judy Blume, a poetic thinking class with Jo Harjo, a marketing class with Elaine Welteroth, and dog-training with Brandon McMillan. (The jury is still out on dog-training!)
• Continuing to go to the gym and working on flexibility. As my father-in-law once said to me, “You aren’t getting any younger.” Isn’t that the truth!? No one told me my hip flexors would be the first to go…
• Drinking a glass of milk every day. This may seem like nothing, but for me, it’s huge. I’ve never been a big milk drinker, but better late than never, right?
• Spending more time with my family, especially our new little one.
• Limiting the time I spend on social media. (I deleted my Twitter/X account over a year ago and regenerated brain cells by not even going there, and deleting the Facebook App from my phone resulted in way less time in that space too.) Really, I’ve been considering stepping back from all of it. (If I do, and you want to continue reading my blog, make sure you are an email newsletter subscriber by subscribing below.)

I’m curious if you choose a word of the year. Does it help you stay focused?

The Third Act of Theo Gruene

We can officially begin counting down to my fourth book! It will launch in June (maybe even a little earlier). The official launch date is coming soon, along with pre-order info + other exciting news.

Y’all, there were times I wasn’t sure this one would ever see the light of day. I started writing The Third Act in December, 2022. In May, 2023, I attended Story Camp at St. John’s Island, Florida, with the lovely ladies pictured below. I broke the 50K word mark of my story there.

Still, it took so much time to officially complete the writing and editing! And now I couldn’t be more excited for you to meet Theo.

Over the next weeks, I’ll be sharing more about Theo and his story. But for now, check out this blurb written by the extraordinarily talented author Sean Fitzgibbon:

Talya Tate Boerner’s The Third Act of Theo Gruene is a beautifully crafted novel set in the Ozarks during the 2020 pandemic. A poignant exploration of love, loss, and the unexpected connections that shape our lives, this story resonates deeply in a time when many have turned inward. With lyrical prose and heartfelt storytelling, Boerner reminds us of the profound joy found in human connection, making this novel not only a compelling read but an essential one.

😍

Things Momma Says:

Me: I don’t have a quote from you for my Sunday Letter.

Momma: Well, I had a bunch on the day we went to the dentist.

😂

I know this is a short Sunday Letter. I suppose I’m easing back into it:)

Thank you for reading and supporting my writing.
Thank you for being kind when the world seems so messed up.

If you would like to try out MasterClass, click on this GUEST PASS.

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