grace grits and gardening - ramblings from an arkansas farm girl

How to Make Valentine Bird Seed Feeders

February 11, 2014 By Talya Tate Boerner

Got cabin fever? Today I’m making Valentine bird seed feeders—a winter gift to the birds. I worry about birds in winter, especially when the ground is covered in ice and snow. Teaching kids about nature and birding and caring for the creatures of our planet is an important lesson on compassion. Birds need love too. And valentines.

There was a little trial and error on my part, and yes, this project takes a bit of patience. But these heart-shaped bird seed feeders make a fun project for children of all ages (with adult assistance).
Continue Reading

The Poetry of Farm Trees

February 10, 2014 By Talya Tate Boerner

Florida Farm, Mississippi County, Arkansas

Tate Farms (our “Florida Farm” at Little River), Mississippi County, Arkansas

Summer trees

stand thick and lush

a mass of emerald leaves

with branches entwined

like arms braced tight

in a childhood game

of Red Rover.

Winter trees

stand single-file

like soldiers

fearless yet exposed

guarding furrows

watching the days grow longer.

Grace Grits and Gardening

Musical Pairing:

Tree With No Leaves, Crosby Stills and Nash

The Man with the Hyena Laugh

February 9, 2014 By Talya Tate Boerner

Daddy’s latest beer-drinking buddy almost permanently moved into the spare bedroom. For several days and nights he ate our food, smoked Daddy’s cigarettes and watched his favorite shows on our television. Even though his beady eyes and piercing hyena laugh made the invisible hairs on the back of my neck crawl, I politely smiled and waited. I knew Momma would eventually tire of playing hostess and maid. Sure enough on Tuesday night, Momma threw a hissy fit and declared his vacation over while he stood at the open refrigerator wolfing down leftover Sunday pot roast. But like a stray dog, a few weeks later he followed Daddy home again.

Grace Grits and Gardening