Talya Tate Boerner - grace grits and gardening

Alabama – Auburn. The dark side of defeat.

December 3, 2013 By Talya Tate Boerner

Have we truly reached the point where society values the BCS bowl race over the human race? Both can be rather barbaric, but death threats to the Alabama kicker? One fan murders another after the game because she wasn’t upset enough over the loss?

I’m as passionate as the next about college football. My favorite show (after Breaking Bad) is ESPN SportCenter.

But folks, it’s only a game—not to be confused with a video game… The game of life comes with a set of social, moral rules that apparently need to be re-played and re-learned. Losses happen.They just do.

Without losses, wins wouldn’t taste half as sweet. This much I know as a Baylor Bear fan.

We’ve reached a new high low. Truly the dark side of defeat.

talya

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

“How dreadful…to be caught up in a game and have no idea of the rules.” – Caroline Stevermer

The Enchanted Forest

December 2, 2013 By Talya Tate Boerner

When I was a child, the coolest place to shop was Goldsmith’s in downtown Memphis. Even the journey to Goldsmiths was fantastic—driving over the Mississippi River, parking in the multi-level garage, and walking through the tunnel underneath Front Street to get to ground level.

And the tunnel? It was no ordinary tunnel. Inside the air was hypnotic—fresh, clean, divine—infused by a zillion shampoos and hair sprays lining the l-o-o-o-o-n-n-n-g passageway .

Just beyond the tunnel, a bakery greeted us. Oh mercy. Freshly baked cookies and cakes and gingerbread men filled trays displayed at eye level. The warm lights made the sugar sparkle.

Past the bakery, a world awaited with escalators and elevators and wide stairs and rails for swinging on (when we could get away with it). Unlike Belk’s in Osceola and Westbrook’s in Blytheville, There Was A Separate Floor For Each Department.

Trips to Goldsmith’s were reserved for special occasions such as back-to-school shopping or when Momma needed a fancy dress. The most special occasion of all was Christmas. During Christmas, the Enchanted Forest magically appeared inside Goldsmiths.

Magic I tell you…

A winter wonderland spread before us filled with forest animals and snowmen and twinkle lights and glittery snow delivered straight from the North Pole to the area behind men’s clothing. We strolled through slowly, savoring each second and every step, not wanting it to end. But kinda we did because deep in the frosty forest, a visit and picture with Santa awaited.

The real Santa.

We waited in line as long as it took.We wore our best holiday outfits.

The Enchanted Forest was THE holiday event.

We never missed it.

Picture with Santa, The Enchanted Forest, Memphis

my sister and me with the real Santa

talya

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

“On these magic shores children at play are forever beaching their coracles. We too have been there; we can still hear the sound of the surf, though we shall land no more.” – J. M. Barrie, Peter Pan

P.S. The Enchanted Forest is now located at The Pink Palace Museum. Click HERE for the link. Has anyone been? I bet it’s different…

Conditions Apply

December 1, 2013 By Talya Tate Boerner

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Her journey began simply enough.

She had no real concept of the process.

After spilling her soul onto paper, publishers would clamber for her story.

Right?

After all, you can grow up and do anything your heart desires…

Now she understands.

Spirit and resolve and twisting words until they hum aren’t enough.

Other conditions apply.

talya

Grace Grits and Gardening

Farm. Food. Garden. Life