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Baylor Football. From where I sit.

May 28, 2016 By Talya Tate Boerner

Baylor EndzoneAs a Baylor alumna and a college football fan, I feel the need to speak out on the Baylor news clogging my Twitter feed. As usual, these are my opinions based on what I’ve read, what I feel, what I believe. Observations from where I sit. And I sit 427 miles away from the beautiful old dorm I lived in, and 33 fast-as-lightning years away from the day I received my Bachelor of Arts degree.

I hate what has happened for many, many reasons. Reasons I can’t quite get my head around yet.

Baylor is mine. That beautiful campus and the surrounding area holds great memories for me. I came from a super small town, a rural area in Northeast Arkansas. Once I drove across the Brazos River, Baylor became my Narnia—an expanded world filled with endless experiences. So different from high school. So different from home.

I grew and learned and changed there.

And I never missed a football game even though we rarely won. Baylor was the basement dweller of the Southwest Conference, but we held in our hearts the dream of winning. Games were about more than the game itself.

Remember when people embraced the idea it doesn’t matter if you win or lose, what matters is how you play the game?

That was our motto.
We had no choice.Continue Reading

Turnrows: Farm is the New Hip

May 27, 2016 By Talya Tate Boerner

Turnrows, Jonesboro

Do you know about Turnrows? Turnrows is a hip boutique in Jonesboro, Arkansas that you need to visit if you like farming and the Delta and southern casual clothing and accessories. And eating… Yes, farm is the new hip. And guess what? Even if you don’t live in Northeast Arkansas, you can still visit because there’s an online store. Bringing the farm to everyone… (This post is sponsored by Turnrows. Opinions are my own.)

I visited the store with my friend Becky the last time I was in Jonesboro. We were hoping to be invited to the Barrett Baber concert that night as Turnrows was a sponsor. Boo, that didn’t happen, but I did get this cool t-shirt which is pretty perfect I think.

No grit, no pearl

Turnrows has clothing for farmers, farmer wives, farmer’s daughters, farmer fans, farmer wannabes.Continue Reading

Drained of words but ’bout to get my shine on…

May 25, 2016 By Talya Tate Boerner

In the here and now I feel tired and drained of words because I’m a homebody who hasn’t been home much lately. Home is my recharge place. I need home the same way I crave quiet. And there’s no place I’d rather be right now than where I am at this moment—sitting on my back porch listening to the birds with nothing much to do for the next few days. I’m not complaining, just explaining why I haven’t blogged lately.

It takes words to blog.

And time.

Balancing all the things can be tricky.

Why is that?

Once upon a time, I was better at juggling.

I know with a little down time, a little garden time, a little sleep-in-my-own-bed time, my words will be replenished. In the meantime, for the next ten days, I’ll be a full blown stay-at-home hermit. I’ll be reading. Pulling weeds. Thinking. Watching brainless television. Catching up on emails. Getting ready for my next events. Doing a little Florida dreaming.

Did I mention I’m going to Florida?

Beach, please. I am.

beach, please

Here’s what’s on my agenda after my hermit week…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: 03.29.26
  • Sunday Letter: February 22, 2026
  • Our Garden Mission Statement
  • Goodbye, 2025. Hello, 2026.
  • Sunday Letter: 11.23.25

Novels:

Coloring Books:

Fiction-Themed Coloring Books

Backyard Phenology:

Children’s Nature Book:

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