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The Purple Ribbon

April 28, 2016 By Talya Tate Boerner

The Purple Ribbon Thrift Store, Fayetteville, Ar

Breaking the silence is a family affair at The Purple Ribbon in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Not only does this thrift store open its doors to shoppers, but the store offers a safe haven for victims of domestic violence. Hey y‘all—I don’t have many guest blog posts but this article was written by my friend, Laurie Reichart. Laurie is working to spread the word of the work being done by The Purple Ribbon, and I agreed to help by hosting this article. Keep on reading, because this is an important topic, and you may know someone who could use these services.

In 2014, Trish Collins brought home a steady income working for a large corporation, yet something pulled her in a different direction. She believes God has a plan for everyone and life can be uncomfortable when He’s calling to you. Trish knew leaving a respectable position and complacent routine would be difficult but she felt a stronger need to help others. After taking time off and regrouping, she came to the decision to open up a thrift store that served as a resource to victims of domestic violence.

Collins has been affected by domestic violence.Continue Reading

Visiting Heber Springs, Arkansas

April 22, 2016 By Talya Tate Boerner

visiting heber springs arkansas

A couple of weeks ago I spent some time in Heber Springs, Arkansas. It was my first visit to this charming town in the central part of the state. Not sure how that’s even possible.

When I visit a new place, especially if I’m traveling alone, I explore. I search for the library and I seek out the old historic cemetery because to me, cemeteries are a way to connect to the town. I walk the downtown area to see the architecture. Heber Springs gets a big checkmark for having a courthouse in the middle of the town square. Yay!

Walking is the best way to discover a place. Driving through, you miss all the things.

Y’all, Jitterbug Coffee House was fantastic!

Heber Springs, Ar

After getting my green tea fix, I searched for the lake.Continue Reading

These Students at Blytheville Middle School…

April 5, 2016 By Talya Tate Boerner

Accidental Salvation at Blytheville Middle School

Y’all, these students at Blytheville Middle School…this is what it’s all about. You never know where this crazy life will take you, and how one decision can change you in ways you never anticipated, but that’s how writing has been for me. The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee has led me to doors I would have otherwise never opened. Beyond those doors? The road I almost completely missed. For me, it’s about so much more than the book itself. It’s about the people and the relationships and the surprises along the way.

My own accidental salvation…

I was invited to Blytheville Middle School by Amy Harmon who teaches there. She’d been reading Accidental Salvation to her class and they were enjoying it. Literacy is my thing, so I was happy to go and provide a few books for her classroom. I read from a particular chapter I thought the students might relate to—Gracie Lee was at school, bored, unable to concentrate on her assignment, thinking about how she’d been grounded at the end of summer. We’ve all been there, right?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: 11.23.25
  • Maggie and Miss Ladybug: My New Children’s Nature Book
  • Sunday Letter: November 9, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 26, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 5, 2025

Novels:

Coloring Books:

Fiction-Themed Coloring Books

Backyard Phenology:

Children’s Nature Book:

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