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A Brand New Day.

September 27, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

a brand new day

Our house silently waits for a brand new day. In the earliest morning, there is no world beyond the opaque windows around me, beyond my cup of coffee, my pen and journal. I recently started a new journal, but I don’t much like it. Yes, the cover is pretty, it has a satin ribbon to hold my place, the pages are lined, the edges gold-tipped. But the paper itself, the weight of the journal, something is off. The feel of a journal is important to me. (But I won’t waste paper, so I’ll continue using it.)

Lucy and Annabelle nestle beside me. They recognize this brand new day, this earliest morning time, the time that comes after sleep but before the day truly begins. It’s my preferred time to write, a time when my mind is rested, still somewhat in a dreamy state, unaffected by negative, external and internal. I protect this time fervently, and for the most part, they let me. With each small breath, their curled bodies float up and down, up and down. This is the quietest they will be today, yet their stillness could end instantaneously with an outside rustle imperceptible to me. The knowledge of this keeps me extra focused.Continue Reading

My Summer Accomplishment

September 17, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

my summer accomplishments

Today marks the first day of the last week of summer 2017. If I’m being honest, my summer accomplishment is pretty much singular. I did a handful of the things on my summer bucket list, which was a carryover from last summer’s bucket list. I had grilled lobster thanks to my sister-in-law. I read several books outside my normally preferred genres. John and I “sort of” hosted a porch party for the first Razorback home game. In other words, friends came, and we hung out on the porches for a while. And, I found the small church I plan to attend, but I haven’t yet.

So no, the church one doesn’t count.Continue Reading

Pray for Houston. Pray for Texas.

August 29, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

Pray for Houston

It’s a new morning, but it’s difficult for me to write about the plants in my garden or the beautiful weather we are having in Northwest Arkansas when the pictures and stories coming out of Houston are so devastating and heartbreaking. The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey continues to wreak havoc. Pray for Houston. Pray for Texas.

I lived in Texas longer than I’ve lived anywhere. I went to college in Waco. Texas is my other home, so yes, I have a soft spot for the place and people. I suppose that’s normal.

As rain continues to fall and water continues to rise, the situation becomes even more dire. For those of us watching from our dry, safe homes, we can help by donating money to legitimate groups like the Salvation Army. Always be mindful of scammers always trying to part a good-hearted soul from his money during unfortunate situations. NPR curated this comprehensive list of charities helping hurricane victims. (Still, check them out first.)

Do what you can even if that only means sending good vibes to our Texas neighbors. Because it’s a new morning. Because we are all neighbors in this world, in this life.

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

[tweetthis]Pray for Houston. Pray for Texas. #HurricaneHarvey[/tweetthis]

Musical Pairing:
Cat Stevens, Morning has Broken

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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 (2025)

Recent Ramblings:

  • Why a Rainy Day Is the Best Time to Visit a Botanical Garden
  • Happy Birthday, Theo Gruene!
  • Sunday Letter~ 05.17.26
  • Sunday Letter: 03.29.26
  • Sunday Letter: February 22, 2026

Novels:

Coloring Books:

Fiction-Themed Coloring Books

Backyard Phenology:

Children’s Nature Book:

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