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Columbus Day and Me

October 14, 2013 By Talya Tate Boerner

State Bank friends

In Fourteen Hundred Ninety-Two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. And not that long ago, I worked at State Bank and Trust.  During my tenure at State Bank and Trust, Columbus Day was one of my absolute favorite holidays. Not because of my overwhelming love for the man (although he could rock a hat), but because it was the only bank holiday when my kids still attended school.

I think Columbus would have appreciated education. After all, he was an explorer with an incredible thirst for knowledge.

Columbus Day

That one Monday in October carried extra special meaning to me. It represented An Entire Day To Myself.

Lordy.

I was gleeful.

It was the best day of the year.

Busy moms understand.

I showered and dressed at my regular pre-crack-of-dawn-time, dropped the kids off as though it was a normal eight-to-five day, then headed straight to Starbucks for my first Gingerbread Latte of the season.

I sat in the stillness of Barnes and Noble surrounded by books and read the newspaper cover to cover until Toys R Us opened. With the bulk of my Christmas shopping completed at a leisurely pace, I reveled in an entire afternoon of gardening.

Columbus Day was my special secret.

Can you imagine what it must have been like to load up on a ship and set sail for parts unknown? Thank God for brave souls who laid the groundwork for my easy, comfortable life.
I suppose today we can compare Columbus to space explorers or cavers who descend into black, bottomless abysses. But really,  it’s completely different. Today we have information and technology and state of the art equipment. Columbus had trade winds and a compass.
I hope all my bank friends are doing something special today. Remember to reflect on Columbus today and think about how lucky we are to live in the New World.

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

[tweetthis]Columbus Day and me. Reflecting on how lucky I am to live in the New World. #ColumbusDay[/tweetthis]

Musical Pairing:
Sam Cooke, Chain Gang

Andy Griffith Theme Song – The Lyrics!

October 3, 2013 By Talya Tate Boerner

Throwback Thursday

(via Wikipedia)
Did you know there are lyrics to the Andy Griffith Theme Song? Yes, there are words to go along with the jaunty whistling and stone skipping.
One of my readers called to tell me this! Okay it was my husband, but he’s a reader. Sometimes…
The Andy Griffith Show is one of my all-time favorites. While most people watch reality television, I’m hanging out with my friends at Mayberry. 
Last week, Goober rebuilt a car in the courthouse, and an escaped convict captured Barney down by the fishing hole. Aunt Bee makes fried chicken and apple pie Every.Single.Night for supper. 
Ahhhhh the good ole days—such a slice of Americana when dinner was called supper, and people enjoyed it together.
Play the video below to hear Andy sing the theme song.
This song is the perfect way to start (or end) your day. If this doesn’t put a smile on your face, I’m not sure anything will.

See? You’re smiling.

What’s your favorite Andy Griffith episode?

talya

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

P.S. The show aired 53 years ago today on October 3, 1960…

Aunt Bee: Did you like the white beans you had for supper?
Andy: Uh huh.
Aunt Bee: Well, you didn’t say anything.
Andy: Well, I ate four bowls. If that ain’t a tribute to white beans, I don’t know what is.

Schnauzer Watchdogs

October 2, 2013 By Talya Tate Boerner

wordless wednesday

grace grits and gardening
Why is that squirrel in our yard?

talya

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


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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: February 22, 2026
  • Our Garden Mission Statement
  • Goodbye, 2025. Hello, 2026.
  • Sunday Letter: 11.23.25
  • Maggie and Miss Ladybug: My New Children’s Nature Book

Novels:

Coloring Books:

Fiction-Themed Coloring Books

Backyard Phenology:

Children’s Nature Book:

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