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Fifty-four things I know so far.

July 11, 2016 By Talya Tate Boerner

54 things I know so far

I’m grateful to be celebrating another birthday at the lake with family. After fifty-four trips around the sun, I should know a few things. Maybe? So while sitting on the porch drinking coffee, I jotted down a quick list of fifty-four things I’ve learned so far.

  1. Less is more.
  2. Be yourself.
  3. Celebrate tradition.
  4. Wear sunscreen.
  5. Laughter really is the best medicine.
  6. Simple is good.
  7. Eat your veggies.
  8. Negativity breeds negativity.
  9. It’s true, time flies.
  10. Not everyone will like you.
  11. Plant flowers.
  12. Smell the flowers.
  13. Pick the flowers.
  14. Do unto others.
  15. Cherish your friends.
  16. If you’re going to have kids, be a parent.
  17. Keep moving.
  18. Get out of your comfort zone.
  19. Read.
  20. Nurture relationships.
  21. Don’t be a litterbug.
  22. Everyone has a talent.
  23. Pets bring joy.
  24. Praise teachers.
  25. Learn to swim.
  26. Most people are good, but some are crazy.
  27. Eat dessert.
  28. Don’t always eat dessert.
  29. Floss.
  30. Look on the bright side.
  31. Buy local.
  32. Sometimes it’s better to be silent than to be right.
  33. Travel as often as possible.
  34. Sing.
  35. Respect your elders.
  36. Life isn’t fair.
  37. Wear comfortable shoes.
  38. Don’t pout.
  39. You don’t have to clean your plate.
  40. Smile.
  41. The grass probably isn’t greener but green grass looks nice.
  42. We all have something in common.
  43. Drink lots of water.
  44. Learn to tie knots.
  45. Say what you mean and mean what you say.
  46. Don’t ever pass up a lemonade stand.
  47. Learn to apologize.
  48. Be alert.
  49. Take responsibility.
  50. Work hard.
  51. Eat breakfast.
  52. Always buy from girl/boy scouts.
  53. Don’t gossip.
  54. God is good. All the time.

What would you add?

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

[tweetthis]54 things I know so far. #happybirthdaytome[/tweetthis]

Musical Pairing:

MonaLisa Twins, When I’m Sixty-Four

Happy Birthday, NYE, Everything!

December 31, 2015 By Talya Tate Boerner

Happy birthday, John!

Happy Birthday to my husband, John! He’s a New Year’s Eve baby. As a kid he thought the whole world was celebrating his birthday. I think the world should. ???

Happy New Year’s Eve to all my readers. I appreciate you. ???

Happy everything to everyone! ???

I’ll see you next year,

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

“Saying next year like it was a long time off was a fun thing to do when next year officially started next week.” The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee (yes, I’m quoting myself)

Musical Pairing:
Barbra Streisand, What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?

Nana’s Strawberry Cake (the real one)

May 23, 2014 By Talya Tate Boerner

Nana's Strawberry Cake

Nana’s Strawberry Cake!

Alrighty. After baking the worst strawberry cake ever for my son’s 21st birthday (read about it HERE , or we can just pretend it never happened…), I’m going back to our old family recipe. Nana’s Strawberry Cake. Straight from her vintage recipe box. You’ll want to keep this one.

Nana's Recipe Box

I love seeing her handwriting on all the recipes…

Nana or Momma made this cake for all my birthdays. Served on the dock with a side of old-fashioned, homemade ice cream (hand-cranked with rock salt), this is the stuff of summer. We ate fast before the July sun created strawberry milkshakes. Sticky face? Jump in the lake for easy cleanup.

The cake is moist and luscious as strawberry cake was intended. It’s one of those “cheat” cakes because it starts with a boxed white cake mix and a package of strawberry Jell-o. Ask me if I care.

Nope.

I’ve learned my lesson.

One bite and I’m delivered back to my childhood.

strawberry cake - easy & luscious!

Nana’s Strawberry Cake

Print Recipe
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package white cake mix
  • 1 3 ounce package strawberry Jell-o (do not dissolve)
  • 3/4 cup cooking oil
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup frozen strawberries thawed and chopped
  • 4 eggs
For Icing:
  • 1 stick butter melted
  • 1 box pound powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup frozen strawberries thawed and chopped

Method
 

  1. Lightly grease & flour two 9-inch round pans or a 13x9 inch rectangular pan.
  2. Mix first five ingredients in a large bowl at medium speed.
  3. Add eggs and thoroughly mix.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.
  5. Remove from pans and let cool before adding frosting.
Icing:
  1. Mix butter, sugar and strawberries together. Add a bit of milk if you like gooey icing. (I do!)

And to my birthday boy, sorry you missed the real deal.

Nana's Strawberry Cake

Yum!

Do you have a birthday tradition in your family? If you don’t, I highly recommend Nana’s Strawberry Cake.

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

 

 

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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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