Talya Tate Boerner's Blog, page 17

Sunday Letter: 01.10.2021

Hey Sunday Letter friends. We survived another week.

And what a terrible week it was, here in the United (um, Divided?) States of America. I continue to remind myself that we are all human, that we all have more common attributes than differences. I’ve always believed this, but man alive, I’m beginning to doubt it.

My One Little Word—faith (in people)—which I announced last week, is dangling by a gossamer thread. In fact, I think I’ll change my word to grace. I’m going to need more of it.

It’s ...

My Favorite Reads of 2020

I can’t let 2020 completely disappear without providing a list of my favorite reads from the year. I read fifty-five books, and you can see all of my reviews on my Goodreads Challenge HERE (for past years too).

So many books, so little time. I already have a LONG list of want-to-read books for 2021. And the idea that so many fabulous, life-changing stories await, thrills me.

Now, on to my favorite reads of 2020.

 

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things

by Bryn Greenwood

Whoa. This story truly is c...

my One Little Word for 2021

I’ve been thinking about my One Little Word for 2021. Last year, I didn’t give much thought to it, and I worry my lack of a real word led to such a crazy 2020. Not that I believe my One Little Word can affect the whole big world. Ha.

But I do believe choosing a word has kept me more focused in prior years.

In past years, I’ve chosen believe, balance, focus, savor, grow, refresh. Last year, here’s what I said about it:

I have no resolutions for 2020. Really, I’ve not thought about it for even a s...

Sunday Letter: 12.20.2020

Dear Sunday Letter friends,

Oh my gosh, so much has happened since my last Sunday Letter. Since I can only write in snatches of stolen time, I’ll jump right to it.

First things first. I’m happy to report that we received a bonafide snow last week, one that didn’t begin or end with ice. The trees were exceptionally beautiful.

I’m dreaming of another snowfall this winter. After that, I will be watching for my tulips to pop up from the soil.

First Draft

I recently spent six days at the Writers’...

I Made a Foraged Holiday Swag

Oooh, I’m pretty happy with this foraged holiday swag I made, and I think my nature lovers will enjoy it too. With winter and Christmas only 11 and 15 days away (!), this simple project will bring a bit of natural beauty to your front door, your mailbox, anywhere you want to hang it.

Let me set the scene:

I’m spending five days at The Writer’s Colony at Dairy Hollow in Eureka Springs. Yes, I’m writing. But I have a daily routine that includes a morning walk into town and an afternoon nature wal...

10 Gifts for the Gardener – $25 and less

Hey, hey! It’s Christmastime again…

Today I’m spotlighting 10 Gifts for the Gardeners in your life. And guess what? These 10 gifts won’t break our gardening budgets. Do we have gardening budgets? 

Sunday Letter: 11.29.2020

Dear Sunday Letter friends,

I worry about what to say when it comes to Thanksgiving, because so many people were unable to see family members this year. But I hope yours was peaceful, satisfying, filled with yummy food, fabulous memories, maybe at least one laugh-session that made you forget whatever troubles you may be experiencing.

Ours was great! We are happy, and as far as we know, healthy. Somehow my sister and I managed to keep all our dishes hot and serve them at the same time. Mostly it...

Sunday Letter: 11.22.2020

Dear Sunday Letter friends,

Thanksgiving is nearly here! Even though it will look a bit different, and it has taken some effort for me to get excited about it this year, I’m finally there. Hands down, the holidays have always been my favorite time of year. Momma always made it magical, and I strive to carry on that tradition as best I can. (She continues to add an entertaining dose of fun.)

I know lots of people have already begun decorating for Christmas. I’m all for doing whatever is needed t...

Oatmeal Blueberry Bars

In my constant quest to add fiber to my diet, I made oatmeal blueberry bars this week. I followed this recipe from Eat Yourself Skinny (what a fun name!), making a few substitutions for things I didn’t have and was too lazy to go buy.

We were completely out of milk. Sort of a requirement for baking, right? Of course, I could have walked down to the Co-op for more milk, but by the time I realized it, I had already mixed half the ingredients together. (See? I didn’t follow my own advice of assemb...

Sunday Letter: 11.15.2020

Dear Sunday Letter friends,

How is everyone post election? Seems our nation becomes more horribly divided every day. One camp thinks President Trump is being cheated from re-election. The other camp thinks that’s a bunch of hooey. Isn’t it great to live in a nation where we are free to believe whatever conspiracy theories we want?

One thing I know, wallowing in post-election quagmire is not healthy for anyone.

Now, for a very short Sunday Letter…

Peace Out

In the spirit of moving on, today’s fa...