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Sunday Letter: 01.15.23

January 15, 2023 By Talya Tate Boerner 8 Comments

Hiya, Sunday Letter friends!

This past week has been a mixed bag of weather here in northwest Arkansas. From 75 degrees to rain and hail to frozen precipitation—I suppose there’s always something for everyone. Unless, that is, you prefer your atmospheric conditions served up on a consistent basis.

Some of our shrubs look to have given up on this life. The first cold snap back in November really did a number on lots of plants. Our Schip laurels look to have been sprayed with bronzer. But come spring, they should revive and put on new growth. Plants suited for a particular growing zone typically survive even the craziest arctic events because their deep roots continue feeding and providing starch until warm weather returns.

Still I worry over them. The blooms on Schip laurels provide an incredible amount of much-needed early spring nectar for bees. And I love our bees.

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Sunday Letter: 01.08.23

January 8, 2023 By Talya Tate Boerner 20 Comments

Sunday Letter

Dear Sunday Letter readers,

Aren’t we fortunate to be welcoming another new year!? I’m optimistic about 2023 and looking forwarding to what the months ahead will bring. And yay! The days are getting a tiny bit longer. It’s hard to tell right now, but it’s true.

🌞

I began planning for 2023 weeks ago. For me, writing down dreams and thinking about goals for the months ahead is like heading out on a road trip to someplace fabulous, frothy latte in the cupholder, seatbelt securely fastened.

Looking in the review mirror is also part of my planning process. Successes and failures, hits and misses, the good and bad—they all brought me to this point. I don’t dwell on yesterday or lament the things I never did. Instead I celebrate the yays and question whether those nays are worthy of this year’s goal list.

And I leave room in my itinerary to take little side trips.

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Sunday Letter: 12.18.22

December 18, 2022 By Talya Tate Boerner 11 Comments

Sunday Letter

Dear Sunday Letter friends,

Ho ho ho! ‘Tis the week before Christmas which means we finalize menus and grocery shop, prep dishes, finish wrapping gifts, await family (and Santa Claus) coming into town.

Anticipation is a huge part of Christmas for me.

My husband often points out that I am a big kid, not that he thinks there’s anything wrong with that. Christmas is my favorite for many reasons—the sparkle and twinkle, the carols, the tastes and aromas, the memories of family and church and a time when magic tasted as real as the chocolate candy in my stocking. Yes, memories are probably at the root of my seasonal joy. From the time school was out for Christmas until the first week of January, family (led by Momma) always made the holidays extra special. And I do my best to carry those traditions with me throughout the season and into the new year.Continue Reading

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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

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