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AWBU: my conference takeaway

September 4, 2015 By Talya Tate Boerner

Hot Springs, Ar

I returned home from Arkansas Women Blogger University (AWBU) with thoughts enough to fill ten blog posts. I scribbled ideas in my journal and attempted to reduce the weekend down to one key conference takeaway. Beyond the connections made and information absorbed and enjoyable time spent with like-minded bloggers, what was the primary benefit for me?

Everyone arrived at The Arlington Resort Hotel with different goals, different experience levels, different expectations. We attended the same educational classes, heard inspirational speakers and packed over 10,000 rice meals for the hungry (a definite highlight facilitated by The Pack Shack and Wells Fargo Advisors which you can read about HERE and HERE). We each left with more swag than anyone could imagine—thank you generous sponsors!

AWBU Sponsors for 2015
After spending a weekend together, I imagine we all took something slightly different home.Continue Reading

I stopped at an Arkansas Rock Shop

September 3, 2015 By Talya Tate Boerner

I stopped at a Rock Shop

There are lots of quirky things about Arkansas and the rock shops near Hot Springs rank right up there. As a kid, I remember our family stopping at rock shops while on vacation in the Ouachita Mountains. Last week while driving on Scenic Highway 7 to Hot Springs, I began seeing signs for Coleman’s Rock Shop. 

I couldn’t resist stopping.  

Deja vu for sure. I’m certain my younger self walked through Coleman’s in 1970-something.Continue Reading

Dear September,

September 1, 2015 By Talya Tate Boerner

Dear September,Dear September,

To say I am excited to see you would be an understatement. You, my friend, mark the beginning of change. Change of season, change of attitude, change in the colors outside my kitchen window.

A new box of crayons, that’s what I crave. An entire package of number two pencils. And paper clips for clipping things and a ruler for marking off the days until that first true cold snap.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:

  • Our Garden Mission Statement
  • Goodbye, 2025. Hello, 2026.
  • Sunday Letter: 11.23.25
  • Maggie and Miss Ladybug: My New Children’s Nature Book
  • Sunday Letter: November 9, 2025

Novels:

Coloring Books:

Fiction-Themed Coloring Books

Backyard Phenology:

Children’s Nature Book:

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