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Love Story to a Mimosa Tree

April 19, 2019 By Talya Tate Boerner

gracie Lee's mimosa

Oh how it hurts my heart to tell you that Gracie Lee’s favorite mimosa tree is dying. Fans of The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee probably realize if the tree is Gracie’s favorite, I love it as well. The mimosa tree I’m referencing is in the front yard of her (my) childhood home on the farm.

Sad. Sad. Sad. There are so many memories wrapped around the branches of this tree.

For both Gracie Lee and me.

Can a lifetime of memories suffocate a living thing?

Hope not.Continue Reading

The Last Week of December

December 29, 2018 By Talya Tate Boerner

2018 in pictures

THE LAST WEEK IN DECEMBER provides a quiet pause before stepping into the new year. The gifts have been given and opened, and we’re back home after five days in Dallas. For me, it feels like a free week, time to mold like Play-doh, to shape however I like.

I use some of my time during this last week in December to review my prior year. I think about the high points and begin to plan for 2019. I compile a few statistics. Without looking back, it’s impossible to know where I am. And this process helps me let go of what’s not working and move forward.

Something I’ve learned as a creative—I have to be willing to take a long hard look at myself, cheer for myself, and push myself into uncomfortable territory… AND, it’s about my entire body of work. Every word, every sentence, every story creates the whole of what I’m trying to do—to be a better writer and speak to a larger audience.

Continue Reading

Sunday Letter: 12.23.18

December 23, 2018 By Talya Tate Boerner

Sunday Letter

Dear Sunday Letter friends,

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

It’s inconceivable to me how quickly this year has flown. I hope Santa is better prepared than I…

I’ve been writing these Sunday Letters for a year now. I’ve missed two Sundays, I think. And a couple of letters were postcard short (like this one).

Today’s letter will be the last for 2018. Thanks for making my Sunday Letters a part of your 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: 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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