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Gracie Lee’s Mixtape

October 19, 2015 By Talya Tate Boerner

Gracie Lee's MixtapeAs a nine-almost-ten-year-old, Gracie Lee didn’t have much money but when she managed to save a little, she liked to buy a new record or two at Savage Tunes on Main Street. Most of the time, though, she was forced to listen for her favorite songs to be played on the radio. WHBQ in Memphis played the best music—mostly top forty—and unless it was stormy, clear reception traveled across the Mississippi River to her corner of Northeast Arkansas.

She liked country music, too. Daddy blasted everyone out of bed before sunrise with the music of Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, so those songs grew on her.Continue Reading

Bring Back the Saddle Oxford!

July 5, 2014 By Talya Tate Boerner

I think it’s high time the saddle oxford reappear on the fashion scene.

A few days ago, John and I saw Jersey Boys, the film version of the Tony-Award winning musical. Loved everything about it. If I could go back in time, I’d visit the 1950s. The iconic music. Poodle skirts. The jitterbug. The saddle oxfords…

In the 1970s, we wore saddle oxfords as part of our cheerleader uniforms. It took weeks to break in a new pair, and until that time, giant Band-aids protected our heels. In junior high, we sometimes threaded gold and black pom pons through the laces to match our uniforms.

Keiser Jr. High School Cheer

Keiser Jr. High School Cheerleaders 1974

In high school, our saddle oxfords were red and white instead of the traditional black and white. I thought that was cool.

Men still have oxford options (especially with golf shoes), and some kids today wear saddle oxfords as part of their official school uniforms, but for the most part, saddle shoes have disappeared. Every other shoe style seems to have circled back. Platforms. Peep toes. Ballet flats. Clogs. But the saddle oxford? I think it’s high time. They go with everything.

Saddle Shoes

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/489907265688006524/

Are you with me?

Grace Grits and Gardening

Farm. Food. Garden. Life. 

Musical Pairing:

Frankie Valli – Can’t Take My Eyes Off You

 

 

 

 

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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: 11.23.25
  • Maggie and Miss Ladybug: My New Children’s Nature Book
  • Sunday Letter: November 9, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 26, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 5, 2025

Novels:

Coloring Books:

Fiction-Themed Coloring Books

Backyard Phenology:

Children’s Nature Book:

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