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A Spring Day during Winter. Another School Shooting.

February 16, 2018 By Talya Tate Boerner

Yesterday, Mother Nature blessed us with a spring day during winter. A brief respite. The chance to shed sweaters and coats and feel warm sunshine on bare arms.

Northwest Arkansas enjoyed temperatures in the mid-seventies.

John grilled steaks wrapped in bacon.

I searched for signs of spring. New life hides beneath dry leaves.

This all happened after I spoke at the University of Arkansas OLLI luncheon held at Bordino’s. OLLI invites an author to speak monthly. Lunch with an author, they call it. It was an honor for me. I’m always a little amazed when anyone shows up to hear me talk about my book.

So overall, it was an A+ sort of day for me. Even so, throughout all of it I couldn’t help but think about the parents who lost sons and daughters in another school shooting. This one in Florida.

Those families don’t care one iota about their tulips coming up from the soil. They don’t give a rat’s ass about reading my book or any book. They probably didn’t eat lunch yesterday. If they did, they certainly didn’t taste the food.Continue Reading

Inauguration Day. Ready or not.

January 20, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

Inauguration Day. Ready or Not.

I had plans to blog today about Inauguration Day. The history behind it. The weight and magnitude of it. And how, ready or not, Inauguration Day is a great day in America. I had plans to say no matter how someone feels about Donald Trump, we can all celebrate the bigger picture and the fact that we live in a country where truly the most unlikely of candidates can become President.

And I am saying all that because it’s what I believe.

BUT.Continue Reading

Your Top Five People

March 10, 2016 By Talya Tate Boerner

the people we become

Have you ever stopped to think that your perception of everything is shaped at least in part by the company you keep? For a few moments, think about the five people you spend the most time with. Or seven people. Pick a number. Now consider this—you become the people you spend the most time with. 

I heard something similar months ago, and my brain latched on to it as one’s brain does. I think it’s a powerful concept, and to a large extent, I think it’s true.

Everyone is filled with a certain energy, whether positive or negative. The essence of those you spend time with becomes part of you. Slowly, so slowly you won’t notice at first, or maybe you never will. But how could such a thing not happen?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:

  • Sunday Letter: May 25, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: May 4, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Rainy Day Edition
  • Spiderwort: my love-hate relationship
  • Sunday Letter: March 23, 2025

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