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The Last Week of December

December 29, 2018 By Talya Tate Boerner

2018 in pictures

THE LAST WEEK IN DECEMBER provides a quiet pause before stepping into the new year. The gifts have been given and opened, and we’re back home after five days in Dallas. For me, it feels like a free week, time to mold like Play-doh, to shape however I like.

I use some of my time during this last week in December to review my prior year. I think about the high points and begin to plan for 2019. I compile a few statistics. Without looking back, it’s impossible to know where I am. And this process helps me let go of what’s not working and move forward.

Something I’ve learned as a creative—I have to be willing to take a long hard look at myself, cheer for myself, and push myself into uncomfortable territory… AND, it’s about my entire body of work. Every word, every sentence, every story creates the whole of what I’m trying to do—to be a better writer and speak to a larger audience.

Continue Reading

Two Little Words: 2018

January 4, 2018 By Talya Tate Boerner

Two Little Words 2018

2018 marks my fourth year to choose One Little Word. Only this year I’m choosing two words. Two words to get me back on track.

The Concept of One Little Word

One Little Word is the brainchild of blogger Ali Edwards. Rather than setting resolutions broken by Groundhog’s Day, I choose a single word to focus on throughout the year. Sort of a theme for the year. A word to rally around. Something to keep you grounded when life goes bonkers.

My prior words turned out to be pretty powerful. This year I’m choosing two words because I believe two words are needed to restore balance in my life. Yes, I feel out of sync in a lot of ways.Continue Reading

Dear 2018… (and goodbye 2017)

December 29, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

Dear 2018,

Welcome! I hope you’ve packed your largest suitcase with good vibes and clear sailing for the months ahead. Here’s something you should know about me. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea of you, the beginning of a new year. There’s something to be said for a clean slate. The very idea of a clean slate. No, there’s nothing profound or magical about flipping the calendar from December to January, but the beginning of a new year feels entirely different to me.

Oh, the anticipation.

The suspense. What will you bring, 2018?

Dear 2018, we’ve not yet met and already I find you to be hope-filled, fresh and bright bringing me the priceless gift of days and weeks and months to get things accomplished.

You are my favorite journal filled with blank pages waiting to be filled with words yet to be written. Books yet to be read. Ideas yet to be thought.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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