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Things I Brake for in the Delta

February 13, 2018 By Talya Tate Boerner 17 Comments

Things I Brake for in the Delta

I prefer to take the backroads, the gravel roads, the roads that veer off the interstate. The things I brake for in the Delta are plentiful. And because of that, for me, getting from Point A to Point B rarely involves a straight line. Braking leads to exploring. Exploring leads to all sorts of creative endeavors. I make sure to build brake time into my schedule.

To the person who posted a recent Tweet saying (something to the effect), “I forgot how there is NOTHING in this part of the state.”

Oh, my word and bless your heart. If you find yourself driving behind me, please pass at the first opportunity. I will be driving way too slow for your imagination.

The things I brake for in the Delta?Continue Reading

Dogbranch School (and the journey of the curved line)

April 26, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner 7 Comments

a side trip to Dogbranch School

I was never much of a math person (sorry Mrs. Meadows, Mr. Mason, Mr. Howard, Bob Irby), yet I do respect the truth of the straight line. Yes, I know the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. But straight lines can be boring. And  sometimes the shortest distance doesn’t interest me. Most times, I prefer the more entertaining journey offered by the curved line.

I’m easily entertained.

Point A to Point B nearly always takes me longer than GPS estimates, because GPS has no reasoning skills. We have a sort of love-hate relationship, GPS and me. He can’t see detours into the woods marked by faded hand-lettered signs. He doesn’t notice cows posing roadside waiting to have their picture taken. He can’t feel the tug of history represented by a graveyard or roadside historical marker.

Yes, GPS is a man who never stops for lookout points or wildflowers growing in clumps at abandoned homesites.

Overlooking Cotter Bridge

His is an obtuse world of right angles painted pitch black or bright white. Right, left, yes, no. Loops exist as u-turns. Mistakes. And even as long as we’ve been together, GPS still doesn’t recognize my craving for the side trip.

Recently I took one such side trip to Dogbranch School (Carroll County, Arkansas). I’d been tempted to veer onto this gravel road before. I pass it each time I drive to Eureka Springs or Mountain Home.Continue Reading

Farm Art Friday: Old Grain Bins

November 21, 2014 By Talya Tate Boerner 2 Comments

I find truth and history in old things. The rural art of the farm feels soulful, stark and real, a part of the American landscape, a part of me. Today marks the first of many Farm Art Fridays.

A picture.

A quote.

A memory that stirs and floats to the surface.

Happy Friday to you.

Farm Art: old grain bins, Piggott, Ar

Farm Art: old grain bins, Piggott, Clay County, Arkansas

Grace Grits and Gardening

Farm. Food. Garden. Life. 

 

“One eye sees, the other feels.”
― Paul Klee

 

 

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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 (Now Available!)

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