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Yoda’s summer house, I found.

June 10, 2016 By Talya Tate Boerner

Leon Sinks - Yoda Lives Here.

Yoda’s summer home, I found. Deep within the remote river swamps of the Apalachicola National Forest, he lives. Magnificent and beautiful, the area called to me, in a dark force sort of way.

Signs warned of alligators and bears. On high alert, I was, watching, mindful ever.

Yoda’s friends, I glimpsed—lizards and swallowtail butterflies. Hidden, alligators and bears stayed away.

Luckily, lost, I didn’t become.

which way?

No, Yoda, I never saw with my own eyes, but watched and listened and waited, I did. His presence, I felt.

Okay, end of my Yoda-speak…Continue Reading

beach time

June 8, 2016 By Talya Tate Boerner

beach time

It’s been too long since I’ve walked in sand, but I did just that on Monday. And Tuesday. I’m in Florida for three book events (!), and my primary goal (other than the book events) is to accomplish some writing. So far I’ve done a decent job of it. I wrote lots of words for several hours while tropical storm Colin moved over. But then the rain stopped and the air felt fresh and clean and the clouds parted and, well, I headed to the beach.

Turns out, Laguna Beach is a hop, skip, and a jump from my cute little beach house.

beach house

Writing time or beach time?Continue Reading

a certain slant of sunlight…

April 17, 2016 By Talya Tate Boerner

sunlight through the kitchen window

I know right off when the day is destined to be a good one. I can tell by the slant of sunlight through my kitchen window. This simple ray of sunshine, as yellow as the apples it shines upon, sends me working out into the yard all day long. The world could turn upside down and I’d be fine as long as I’m busy in the garden.

That was yesterday and yesterday was my favorite sort of day. A trip to the nursery and lots of digging in the dirt. Today I feel the ache in my back. It’s a good ache—the ache of transplanting hostas and moving around day lilies. Sometimes plants need to be relocated. Sometimes I think I must do it for the feel of it.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: 03.29.26
  • Sunday Letter: February 22, 2026
  • Our Garden Mission Statement
  • Goodbye, 2025. Hello, 2026.
  • Sunday Letter: 11.23.25

Novels:

Coloring Books:

Fiction-Themed Coloring Books

Backyard Phenology:

Children’s Nature Book:

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