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a day in the Ozarks is a day well spent

August 19, 2015 By Talya Tate Boerner

a day in the Ozarks

Whenever our family goes on vacation to Lake Norfork, one of my favorite days always turns out to be the morning I spend by myself exploring and poking around in nearby little Ozark towns. This year’s girls’ trip was no exception. Mid-week, when the thought of putting my bathing suit back on (gah!) was about as appealing as running a marathon, I woke early to beat the heat and headed toward White River.

Although everyone was invited, no one else saw the fun in it, so off I went. And I limited myself to $25 for shopping because a) I don’t need another thing, and b) making a game out of it is more fun.Continue Reading

my favorite Trees in Literature

August 17, 2015 By Talya Tate Boerner

Lately, I’ve been on a tree hunt of sorts. I searched out a few of the largest trees in Arkansas to write THIS article about Arkansas Champion Trees for OnlyinArkansas(dot)com. My tree journey led me to think about my favorite trees in literature. And thinking about my favorite trees in literature made me realize how these particular trees likely influenced my overall love of trees. At least partially.

I bet some of these are your favorite trees, too.

The Giving Tree – Once there was a tree, and she loved a boy. That first sentence gets me every time. Shel Silverstein’s classic provides the ultimate story of unconditional love and selflessness. The older I get, the more poignant this book becomes.

the giving tree

morgueFile

Continue Reading

The Brilliance of Schoolhouse Rock

August 14, 2015 By Talya Tate Boerner

With the kids returning to school, I think it’s only right that we pause for a moment to think about the brilliance of Schoolhouse Rock. In fact, I think most of today’s problems coincide with the demise of Schoolhouse Rock.

Schoolhouse Rock
Think of the kids today who have no idea what they missed. I’m mean, really, who among you can only say the Preamble to the Constitution if you sing it in the Schoolhouse Rock tune? 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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