Razorbacks - grace grits and gardening

University of Arkansas: Decking the Halls at Christmastime

December 15, 2016 By Talya Tate Boerner 4 Comments

Yesterday, I spent some time walking around the University of Arkansas. During this almost-winter, end-of-semester, Christmas-is-a-coming season, campus has a completely different feel. The Hill is no longer packed with tailgate tents. Gone is the new fall semester excitement centering around game day. Now, students laden with backpacks and plugged into earbuds rush from here to there, briskly, because the morning is cold, and there’s somewhere to be. Campus beats at a raw, efficient pace. Let’s get ‘er done and get to Christmas or home or graduation or wherever.

Buildings are decked with boughs of holly and crowned with holiday wreaths.

Fa la la, la la la, la la la.

Simple Pleasures #7

November 17, 2014 By Talya Tate Boerner 14 Comments

Saturday morning, Lucy woke me early and I dragged myself downstairs. After staying up well past my normal bedtime, I felt groggy and annoyed at having my warm and cozy dreams interrupted. A few minutes later, I was thankful to see the glorious sunrise. According to the pink sky peeping through the trees, we were in for a “red sky in morning, tigers take warning” sort of day. And the old proverb held true with winter weather and LSU headed our way.

25 degrees and I forgot to put my car in the garage…but see that pink sky?

Game day is always a simple pleasure. Especially with friends. And to shut out LSU? Now THAT was a thrilling pleasure.

Mississippi County Peeps. Donna Slaton Vincent, me, Craig Barnett, Lori Barnett

Later the snow fell.

I love the tranquility of snow, the quiet, cold landscape, the way it transforms ordinary into art.

What’s better on a frigid day than leftovers? Not much.

And yay for my Sorel snow boots! I walk Lucy and Annabelle no matter how frightful the weather.

Here’s wishing you a week filled with warm memories and yummy leftovers!

Grace Grits and Gardening

Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

“My last refuge, my books: simple pleasures, like finding wild onions by the side of a road, or requited love.” ― Tracy Letts, August: Osage County

[tweetthis]A huge #Razorback win + warm #Sorel snow boots. #SimplePleasures I’m loving right now. You? @sorelfootwear[/tweetthis]

Musical Pairing:

Belle and Sebastian – The Fox in the Snow

Simple Pleasures #4

October 27, 2014 By Talya Tate Boerner 4 Comments

This quote by author Joan Marques says it all—Simple things bring infinite pleasure. Yet, it takes us a while to realize that. Once simple is in, complex it out – forever.

It is common to get tangled in the constant activity and busyness of life, but living in Northwest Arkansas makes it easy for me to slow down and appreciate each day. The pace is much less hectic than Dallas. I marvel daily at the surrounding natural beauty just beyond my kitchen window. Sunrise over Mount Sequoyah. Brilliant autumn floating to the sidewalk. Here’s a recap of the simple things I’ve enjoyed recently.

1. In a word, bacon. I made these yummy bacon-wrapped apricot appetizers for friends using local Petit Jean bacon and White River Creamery goat cheese. (The recipe is similar to THIS one, but I used apricots instead of dates.)

2. Allergy Medicine. Along with the beautiful fall leaves and cooler temperatures comes allergies. Thank goodness for meds. Can I get an Amen?

3. Planting Iris. These irises came from my late mother-in-law’s yard in Fort Smith. I transplanted them into our Fayetteville garden, and I know she is smiling down on them.