Theo Boyd's Blog
November 13, 2024
It's November - Yippee!!
November! Yippee!! This is my favorite month of the year. Daddy loved November. It was almost the end of our peanut harvest and time for sitting back to enjoy Momma’s good cookin�. As Daddy was starting to wind down in the field, Momma was winding up in the kitchen. Peanut Brittle was being made by the gallon-fulls, along with chocolate pies, pumpkin pies, pecan pies, orange slice cake, fruitcake, teacakes, divinity, fudge, cranberry scones and more! Momma was a magician in the kitchen.
I loved watching her at work. It was perfection and the results were so delicious. I have been making more of her recipes lately, hoping to ease the homesick feeling that comes with this time of year. It helps.
Do you have something you do to help soothe your soul during the hard holiday times?
I remember Daddy and Momma always starting the collection of canned goods at the church in November, so that on the Sunday before Thanksgiving they could deliver the food to a needy family in our area.
Daddy would always go buy a ham or turkey that weekend to put with all the canned goods and go to take the food in boxes and sacks. Momma always added her homemade treats - a gallon bag of peanut brittle, a pie, cakes, and cookies. Everything!
On our drive back home, Daddy would be a little sad. I always asked him why he was sad when we just did something so good. He would reply, “I wish they had that food all the time.�
This holiday season, what are you doing to help others? The first three responses to this question will get a special “surprise� gift from me.
It’s a hard season for so many people, but if you have anything to spare to help someone else - do it! You will feel better and they will benefit from your goodness. We need to be thankful for all that God allows us to have, and in being thankful - we can spread that blessing to others.
Love,
Theo
I loved watching her at work. It was perfection and the results were so delicious. I have been making more of her recipes lately, hoping to ease the homesick feeling that comes with this time of year. It helps.
Do you have something you do to help soothe your soul during the hard holiday times?
I remember Daddy and Momma always starting the collection of canned goods at the church in November, so that on the Sunday before Thanksgiving they could deliver the food to a needy family in our area.
Daddy would always go buy a ham or turkey that weekend to put with all the canned goods and go to take the food in boxes and sacks. Momma always added her homemade treats - a gallon bag of peanut brittle, a pie, cakes, and cookies. Everything!
On our drive back home, Daddy would be a little sad. I always asked him why he was sad when we just did something so good. He would reply, “I wish they had that food all the time.�
This holiday season, what are you doing to help others? The first three responses to this question will get a special “surprise� gift from me.
It’s a hard season for so many people, but if you have anything to spare to help someone else - do it! You will feel better and they will benefit from your goodness. We need to be thankful for all that God allows us to have, and in being thankful - we can spread that blessing to others.
Love,
Theo
June 10, 2024
June's Journey: Breaks And Summer Breezes
June marks the beginning of breaks and summer breezes, but it also comes with dread for me. June is Father’s Day and the day my Daddy left this earth, purposefully and with thought. I say this because he knew it was Father’s Day - he knew the day that was his to have. I have two days this month that will be difficult to breathe through, June 16th, Father’s Day, and June 19th, the day he took his life. In 2022, June 19th was Father’s Day. As the years roll on, the dates change, but the memories of these two dates remain strong.
How do we keep going? What is the purpose?
We are still here. You and me. We are here for a reason - to make them proud and to live a life they would want us to live. Find your purpose in the signs around you, the hobbies that make you happy, and the love they left here for us to share. Love Remains. You never know who is watching your life to see what you are making from it. Are you creating a legacy for those that you will leave behind one day? Be that testimony to others to show them that God is still working in your life. I work at this each and every day. Some days are easier than others, but it is still the first and most important goal on my list. I am always looking for ways to help others and make life better.
I want to urge you to make a list of 100 things this Father’s Day. Whether your dad is still here on this earth or in Heaven. Mark your paper from 1-100 (or less), and write the first things that come to mind about him. You’ll be surprised how this can help you by reminding you what you really thought and felt about the person that was always there for you - your rock, your security, your father.
I was a Daddy’s girl. I still am.
- Theo Boyd
How do we keep going? What is the purpose?
We are still here. You and me. We are here for a reason - to make them proud and to live a life they would want us to live. Find your purpose in the signs around you, the hobbies that make you happy, and the love they left here for us to share. Love Remains. You never know who is watching your life to see what you are making from it. Are you creating a legacy for those that you will leave behind one day? Be that testimony to others to show them that God is still working in your life. I work at this each and every day. Some days are easier than others, but it is still the first and most important goal on my list. I am always looking for ways to help others and make life better.
I want to urge you to make a list of 100 things this Father’s Day. Whether your dad is still here on this earth or in Heaven. Mark your paper from 1-100 (or less), and write the first things that come to mind about him. You’ll be surprised how this can help you by reminding you what you really thought and felt about the person that was always there for you - your rock, your security, your father.
I was a Daddy’s girl. I still am.
- Theo Boyd
March 12, 2024
Welcoming Spring
March is the month that things got busy around the farm. Tractors need grease, grass needs mowed, and all of this made us more hungry than usual, so Momma cooked more. Daddy would work longer, momma would be waiting more, and I would be watching it all unfold.
Peanuts would be planted soon for the fall harvest, so Daddy would be ordering seeds from Birdsong Peanuts.Ìý The fields would need fertilizer and cattle would be due for vaccinations. Momma would be planting flowers, cooking meals for Daddy in the fields, all the while making sure my sister and I had everything we needed. There was much work to be done.
Spring was upon us and no more rest, just work. “No resting for the weary,â€� Daddy would say.Ìý “I’ve got to get rollin’â€�
Momma would reply, “Oh, dear - there is so much to do.�
Everything was in full bloom!
Ìý
***
Ìý
You can think of March as a catalyst for the year. I do.ÌýI either push myself to get moving in March, or I regret it later.Ìý I suppose that is in my DNA - the push to go and work.Ìý After all, I’m Joe Bob and Sue’s daughter.Ìý Ha! Ha!Ìý There is no choice but to work and do it well.Ìý
Ìý
This year, my work will look like writing my second book while still touring Texas with the first one.Ìý
What does your work look like for 2024?Ìý
I hope to see you along my journey. Let me hear from you.ÌýÌý
Email me anytime at [email protected]
Ìý
Love,
Theo
ÌýÌý
P.S. We will be at Choctaw Stadium (formerly Globe Life Field and The Ballpark in Arlington) on March 23rd for the HOME RUN AUTHOR EVENT, which isÌýan all-day event filled with amazingÌýauthors.ÌýIf you are in the area, please come see us!Ìý
Ìý
Check out our upcoming schedule on THINKTHEO.COM
Ìý
I have been busy with numerous television, radio, and podcast interviews these past few weeks, and you can check them out on my youtube channel @thinktheo3573.ÌýÌý
Peanuts would be planted soon for the fall harvest, so Daddy would be ordering seeds from Birdsong Peanuts.Ìý The fields would need fertilizer and cattle would be due for vaccinations. Momma would be planting flowers, cooking meals for Daddy in the fields, all the while making sure my sister and I had everything we needed. There was much work to be done.
Spring was upon us and no more rest, just work. “No resting for the weary,â€� Daddy would say.Ìý “I’ve got to get rollin’â€�
Momma would reply, “Oh, dear - there is so much to do.�
Everything was in full bloom!
Ìý
***
Ìý
You can think of March as a catalyst for the year. I do.ÌýI either push myself to get moving in March, or I regret it later.Ìý I suppose that is in my DNA - the push to go and work.Ìý After all, I’m Joe Bob and Sue’s daughter.Ìý Ha! Ha!Ìý There is no choice but to work and do it well.Ìý
Ìý
This year, my work will look like writing my second book while still touring Texas with the first one.Ìý
What does your work look like for 2024?Ìý
I hope to see you along my journey. Let me hear from you.ÌýÌý
Email me anytime at [email protected]
Ìý
Love,
Theo
ÌýÌý
P.S. We will be at Choctaw Stadium (formerly Globe Life Field and The Ballpark in Arlington) on March 23rd for the HOME RUN AUTHOR EVENT, which isÌýan all-day event filled with amazingÌýauthors.ÌýIf you are in the area, please come see us!Ìý
Ìý
Check out our upcoming schedule on THINKTHEO.COM
Ìý
I have been busy with numerous television, radio, and podcast interviews these past few weeks, and you can check them out on my youtube channel @thinktheo3573.ÌýÌý
February 6, 2024
Love Remains - February 2024 Newsletter
My Grief Is Not Like Yours: Learning to Live after Unimaginable Loss, A Daughter's StoryLOVE IS IN THE AIR!
February is here. When I think of this month, I think of Valentine’s, hearts, and LOVE. The year is underway, but we get a break on the 14th of February for chocolate, candy, and cards.
When I was growing up, we didn’t celebrate holidays as much, or with as much, as everyone does now. I do remember making a Valentine box for school with an old shoe box. Momma would help me cover it, and then I would decorate it. With a quick run to town to buy 1 box of Valentines - I would carefully write one to each of my classmates. I would always wake up excited for this day, anticipating what Valentines I would get in MY box.
Later, when I was teaching high school Creative Writing, I decided it would be a cute idea for us to decorate our own boxes and exchange Valentine cards. I will never forget seeing the faces of sixteen-year-olds shining with as much excitement as elementary school students.
It’s not about the age, it’s about the joy. If you find things that once brought you joy and bring them back into your life - that is where happiness comes and stays. Maybe this year you should make a Valentine box! You could use it for keeping special memories, notes, or even recipes. Use it all year long. If you do, I would LOVE to see it. Share it on social media and tag @thinktheo.
Let this newsletter today be my special valentine to you.
Momma sewed all my clothes when I was growing up. She sewed this special red velvet Valentine dress for me and always had me styled from head to toe. She would bake a pretty heart cake, peanut patties, and candy. Her kitchen smelled sweet like vanilla and chocolate. Daddy would come in from the field, card in hand, usually with a little tractor grease on it. He’d kiss Momma. She’d kiss him. We would all sit and eat dinner together and then Daddy would always bring in a special box (usually a necklace or bracelet) wrapped so beautifully for Momma to open.
Although certain memories are difficult, I am thankful for remembering a Daddy and Momma that were so in LOVE.
When all is said and done - LOVE REMAINS.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
With Love,
Theo
February is here. When I think of this month, I think of Valentine’s, hearts, and LOVE. The year is underway, but we get a break on the 14th of February for chocolate, candy, and cards.
When I was growing up, we didn’t celebrate holidays as much, or with as much, as everyone does now. I do remember making a Valentine box for school with an old shoe box. Momma would help me cover it, and then I would decorate it. With a quick run to town to buy 1 box of Valentines - I would carefully write one to each of my classmates. I would always wake up excited for this day, anticipating what Valentines I would get in MY box.
Later, when I was teaching high school Creative Writing, I decided it would be a cute idea for us to decorate our own boxes and exchange Valentine cards. I will never forget seeing the faces of sixteen-year-olds shining with as much excitement as elementary school students.
It’s not about the age, it’s about the joy. If you find things that once brought you joy and bring them back into your life - that is where happiness comes and stays. Maybe this year you should make a Valentine box! You could use it for keeping special memories, notes, or even recipes. Use it all year long. If you do, I would LOVE to see it. Share it on social media and tag @thinktheo.
Let this newsletter today be my special valentine to you.
Momma sewed all my clothes when I was growing up. She sewed this special red velvet Valentine dress for me and always had me styled from head to toe. She would bake a pretty heart cake, peanut patties, and candy. Her kitchen smelled sweet like vanilla and chocolate. Daddy would come in from the field, card in hand, usually with a little tractor grease on it. He’d kiss Momma. She’d kiss him. We would all sit and eat dinner together and then Daddy would always bring in a special box (usually a necklace or bracelet) wrapped so beautifully for Momma to open.
Although certain memories are difficult, I am thankful for remembering a Daddy and Momma that were so in LOVE.
When all is said and done - LOVE REMAINS.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
With Love,
Theo
February 5, 2024
Favorite Picture
This was my mother’s favorite picture of me. It was taken at a small photography shop in Hillsboro, TX, in 1974.
As I remember it, Daddy and Momma would tell the story about this day with big smiles on their faces�
“You were a little upset that day. You started crying because it was time for your nap. You can kinda see the tears there in your eyes. Then, that photographer man brought out this little plastic phone and you quit crying and gave him a little smile. He really thought you were something.�
Little did that photographer know, but putting that phone in my hands was better than candy. I was born to talk!
I’m so thankful I have the ability to write, talk, and express my feelings. I realize many people are not able to be as open about things and that’s okay.
So, for those of you that ARE able to express your feelings and talk about things - use that skill to help others. Talk to them, share with them, and LISTEN to them. That’s the key - not only being able to speak, but being able to listen.
Nothing fulfills me more than hearing someone tell me how grateful they are that I was able to write what they were feeling. I expressed a feeling that helped them and that connected us in such a powerful way.
That is why it is so important to use what God has given you to help others.
This was my mother’s favorite picture of me.
As I remember it, Daddy and Momma would tell the story about this day with big smiles on their faces�
“You were a little upset that day. You started crying because it was time for your nap. You can kinda see the tears there in your eyes. Then, that photographer man brought out this little plastic phone and you quit crying and gave him a little smile. He really thought you were something.�
Little did that photographer know, but putting that phone in my hands was better than candy. I was born to talk!
I’m so thankful I have the ability to write, talk, and express my feelings. I realize many people are not able to be as open about things and that’s okay.
So, for those of you that ARE able to express your feelings and talk about things - use that skill to help others. Talk to them, share with them, and LISTEN to them. That’s the key - not only being able to speak, but being able to listen.
Nothing fulfills me more than hearing someone tell me how grateful they are that I was able to write what they were feeling. I expressed a feeling that helped them and that connected us in such a powerful way.
That is why it is so important to use what God has given you to help others.
This was my mother’s favorite picture of me.
December 18, 2023
December 2023 Newsletter
We are almost to the end of the year.Ìý It’s almost Christmas and then New Year’s Day will follow.ÌýHave you finished your Christmas shopping?Ìý
To say that this time of year is hard is an understatement. What helps me, but hurts at the same time, are the memories.Ìý
Ìý
My sweetest memories are of Christmas Eve night.Ìý That is when me, Momma, Daddy, and my sister would celebrate our Christmas. We would all shower, get on our pajamas, and gather around the tree for gifts.Ìý Daddy always got Momma a special gift from a store in Hillsboro called The Jewelry Box. It was always something beautiful. I can see Momma’s face, smiling so softly. I replay the memory in my mind over and over, wishing I was back there - back sitting on the floor by the tree with them.Ìý
Ìý
As sad as it is, we must move forward and face the future without them. How do we do that? I have a few tips that may help you get to the new year.
Ìý
Talk it out! Find someone to talk to - a friend, family member, dog, cat, fence post.Ìý Just find someone to talk to. Talk to a professional! It is so important to find someone that is trained in your particular type of loss, grief, and that can offer you professional feedback.Ìý
Give yourself Grace in Grief!Ìý If you can’t do everything you always did - it’s okay!Ìý Be kind to yourself.Ìý Be gentle with yourself.
Journal it! Write down your thoughts, feelings, and fears.Ìý You can keep a private journal or share with a friend, or you can even throw it away.Ìý Writing had always helped me.Ìý
Be present! If you are wondering what to do to help others in grief - just be.Ìý That’s all.Ìý It’s simple.Ìý You don’t have to say a thing - just be present.
Ìý
I hope these tips help you through the coming days and weeks.ÌýÌýÌý
Ìý
Love,
Theo
Ìý
Make sure to check out our tourÌýschedule on thinktheo.com!
I have been busy with numerous television andÌýradio interviews this month. On January 20th, we will be at Barnes & Noble in Waco, TX, from 1:00-3:00.ÌýIf you are in the area, please come see us!Ìý
To say that this time of year is hard is an understatement. What helps me, but hurts at the same time, are the memories.Ìý
Ìý
My sweetest memories are of Christmas Eve night.Ìý That is when me, Momma, Daddy, and my sister would celebrate our Christmas. We would all shower, get on our pajamas, and gather around the tree for gifts.Ìý Daddy always got Momma a special gift from a store in Hillsboro called The Jewelry Box. It was always something beautiful. I can see Momma’s face, smiling so softly. I replay the memory in my mind over and over, wishing I was back there - back sitting on the floor by the tree with them.Ìý
Ìý
As sad as it is, we must move forward and face the future without them. How do we do that? I have a few tips that may help you get to the new year.
Ìý
Talk it out! Find someone to talk to - a friend, family member, dog, cat, fence post.Ìý Just find someone to talk to. Talk to a professional! It is so important to find someone that is trained in your particular type of loss, grief, and that can offer you professional feedback.Ìý
Give yourself Grace in Grief!Ìý If you can’t do everything you always did - it’s okay!Ìý Be kind to yourself.Ìý Be gentle with yourself.
Journal it! Write down your thoughts, feelings, and fears.Ìý You can keep a private journal or share with a friend, or you can even throw it away.Ìý Writing had always helped me.Ìý
Be present! If you are wondering what to do to help others in grief - just be.Ìý That’s all.Ìý It’s simple.Ìý You don’t have to say a thing - just be present.
Ìý
I hope these tips help you through the coming days and weeks.ÌýÌýÌý
Ìý
Love,
Theo
Ìý
Make sure to check out our tourÌýschedule on thinktheo.com!
I have been busy with numerous television andÌýradio interviews this month. On January 20th, we will be at Barnes & Noble in Waco, TX, from 1:00-3:00.ÌýIf you are in the area, please come see us!Ìý
November 28, 2023
November Newsletter 2023
The holidays are around the corner!
Are you cooking this Thanksgiving?
Have you started shopping for Christmas?
Are these questions stressing you out as much as they are me?
If there is one thing that I have learned during my grief journey, it is that life is short. We get so stressed about the things on our list and we forget to just take a minute to breathe. As impossible as it sounds - try not to stress this holiday season. Here are some tips:
Ask a friend or neighbor to help you with decorating or shopping.
Take walks each day to give the mind a mental break.
Get plenty of rest. No matter what is on your list, it can wait.
Eat the right foods. Do your body a favor and give it the fruits and vegetables it needs.
Pray. Of course, this is last on my list, but it should always be first. We often forget this very important part of life - PRAYER!
Thanksgiving was Daddy’s favorite holiday. We didn’t have to worry with presents and all that comes with Christmas. We just got to enjoy food and football. Daddy loved it and Momma loved cooking. I still make many of her recipes - cornbread dressing, cranberry salad, pumpkin pie. My favorite is pumpkin pie! I have listed the recipe she wrote to me below:
Nanny’s Pumpkin Pie Recipe
1 Pillsbury pie crust (Momma made her crust from scratch.)
2 cans of pureed pumpkin
½ cup dark corn syrup
¾ cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together. Pour pumpkin mixture in an unbaked pie crust. Bake for 45 minutes or until the center seems done. (Do not overbake. The pie will still bake some after you remove it from the oven.) When the pie has 15 minutes baking time left, sprinkle the pecans on top. Finish baking and cool the pie on a cooling rack.
“This is our favorite pumpkin pie - Me, Joe, You and Hannah� - Momma
Remember to enjoy the little things this Thanksgiving and be thankful for the food on your table and the pumpkin pie in the oven.
Love,
Theo
My Grief Is Not Like Yours: Learning to Live after Unimaginable Loss, A Daughter's StoryTheo
Are you cooking this Thanksgiving?
Have you started shopping for Christmas?
Are these questions stressing you out as much as they are me?
If there is one thing that I have learned during my grief journey, it is that life is short. We get so stressed about the things on our list and we forget to just take a minute to breathe. As impossible as it sounds - try not to stress this holiday season. Here are some tips:
Ask a friend or neighbor to help you with decorating or shopping.
Take walks each day to give the mind a mental break.
Get plenty of rest. No matter what is on your list, it can wait.
Eat the right foods. Do your body a favor and give it the fruits and vegetables it needs.
Pray. Of course, this is last on my list, but it should always be first. We often forget this very important part of life - PRAYER!
Thanksgiving was Daddy’s favorite holiday. We didn’t have to worry with presents and all that comes with Christmas. We just got to enjoy food and football. Daddy loved it and Momma loved cooking. I still make many of her recipes - cornbread dressing, cranberry salad, pumpkin pie. My favorite is pumpkin pie! I have listed the recipe she wrote to me below:
Nanny’s Pumpkin Pie Recipe
1 Pillsbury pie crust (Momma made her crust from scratch.)
2 cans of pureed pumpkin
½ cup dark corn syrup
¾ cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together. Pour pumpkin mixture in an unbaked pie crust. Bake for 45 minutes or until the center seems done. (Do not overbake. The pie will still bake some after you remove it from the oven.) When the pie has 15 minutes baking time left, sprinkle the pecans on top. Finish baking and cool the pie on a cooling rack.
“This is our favorite pumpkin pie - Me, Joe, You and Hannah� - Momma
Remember to enjoy the little things this Thanksgiving and be thankful for the food on your table and the pumpkin pie in the oven.
Love,
Theo
My Grief Is Not Like Yours: Learning to Live after Unimaginable Loss, A Daughter's StoryTheo
