Candy from Miss Mary

>> 8.30.2008

Yesterday as Jason and I were drinking our morning coffee on the front porch  we had a visitor. Miss Mary came over to tell us good morning and to give us some candy. She told us how much she loved us and then handed Jason 3 candy bars. You cannot help but smile when she comes walking down the street waving at you with her big goofy grin. When she is happy she dances in the street and gives out candy. When she is unhappy she is vile and offensive. It is almost like we have two totally different neighbors. It is hard for me reconcile that the women giving me candy and telling me to have a blessed day is the same women who calls me a "white bitch." When we first bought our house we not too thrilled that Miss Mary was our neighbor but now we have really grown to love her. She is part of our life. She adds color and flare to Walker Street.

In addition to candy, she keeps telling me that she has a dress to give me! She has been saying this for a week but in the event that she does give me a dress I will defiantly share it with you. I think everyone needs a little Miss Mary in their lives!

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You might be a redneck if . . .

>> 8.29.2008

This a photo of our friend Derece with Jeff Foxworthy.  He stopped by her office and she snapped a photo with him.  She is reading the Torch, the Lee University alumni magazine.  They always run a section in the back of the magazine that shows alumni with the torch in famous places or with well know faces.  Hopefully Derece's submission with make it in the next addition. 


Derece picks on me for living in Cleveland, TN but at least the king of the rednecks does not live in my town :)

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Young Love

>> 8.28.2008

This is one of my niece's engagement pictures. It was so beautiful that I had to share. This photo was taken on Playalinda Beach in Florida. This beach is just a few minutes away from where my family lives. Lindsey and Johnny were engaged two months ago. They are the most adorable couple. Johnny is an amazing photographer (while he did not take this photo it was his idea and equipment). You can see some of his handy work on his Flickr page.

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Boys just want to have fun?


boys, originally uploaded by jaimebarks.

I know they look miserable but I took this photo at a really fun dinner party.

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Goodbye Freedom

>> 8.27.2008

Phase 2 of our backyard renovation is complete!  Our little doggies have a fenced in yard to play in.  

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Habitat!

>> 8.25.2008


As many of you may know I work for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland. This weekend I was blessed to be able to attend the Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee State Conference. The above photo is a table full of all the wonderful people I get to work with in Cleveland. It was a wonderful and inspiring meeting! Did you know that every 15 minutes somewhere in the world a habitat home is being dedicated? I love that I get to be involved in the ministry of Habitat.

Click here to see a few more photos from the weekend!

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Miss Mary

>> 8.21.2008


Miss Mary, originally uploaded by jaimebarks.

If you have spent any time on Walker Street you probably have encountered Miss Mary. She is by far our most unforgettable resident. When you meet her she will be either extremely joyful or intensely hostile. When she is nice, she tells me how beautiful I am and then ask me for a dollar for a cold drink. If she is happy she never leaves without telling me she loves me (and on two occasions kissing me). When she is angry she calls me a white mother f**ker and shouts things like "don't wave at me bitch." Needless to say she makes life on my block interesting.

Up until a few days ago I only saw Miss Mary as my crazy neighbor who gave me tons of great stories. I never really thought much about her condition or what life must be like for her. For some reason this last weekend she decided to join me on my porch for coffee and started telling me how sick she was and how sorry she was for the mean things she had said to me (the night before she told me to go to hell). She told me how much she appreciated us being nice to her. It broke my heart. To be honest I had assumed that she was so crazy she didn't have any concept of reality. She got up gave be some candy (from Christmas), kissed my head and wandered down the road to bum a smoke. As I set alone I took at moment to be thankful that I am in my right mind (for the most part) and that I have friends and family who would take care of me if I was not. I will continue to tell Miss Mary stories (how could I not?) but her moment of clarity gave an insight to the person she might be if she was not sick.

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Off he goes


bike.jpg, originally uploaded by jaimebarks.

This is Jason on his way to work. He tries to bike as much as possible. It is about a 20 minute ride.

Bicycling is good for Jason, good for the environment and good for our wallets!

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Local Cleveland Man

>> 8.19.2008


Bradley News posted this awesome video of one of the colorful characters at the Cleveland/Bradley Farmer's Market.  This past Saturday this gentleman told me that I did not need flowers to me happy, just a hug from him.  I regretful declined his offer.  Apparently he is full of all kinds of interesting information.  Tennessee is a great place to live. 

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I am kind of a big deal :)

>> 8.17.2008


I am kind of a big deal :), originally uploaded by jaimebarks.

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Jason's Chain Saw


Jason's Chain Saw, originally uploaded by jaimebarks.

Jason purchased a Husqvarna chain saw this week. I am sure the neighbors are frightened.

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Farmer's Market


Farmer's Market, originally uploaded by jaimebarks.

My new favorite Saturday morning tradition is getting up early and going to the Farmer's Market. It is more hooky than hip. The Market is overflowing with fresh produce and adorable country farmers. This guy's hat says #1 Papa. He seemed confused by my photo taking.

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For Jason

>> 8.15.2008


bumpersticker, originally uploaded by jaimebarks.

This photo was taken in the Habitat Home Store parking lot. I guess Jason isn't the only Christian, Gun Owning, Democrat in Cleveland.

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My, What big ears you have

>> 8.13.2008


Bat Puppy!, originally uploaded by jaimebarks.

This is our puppy Lil' Ann. She is a hound/lab mix and weighs in at 40 pounds at 6 months. Those of you who have had the privilege of meeting Ann know that she can be a handful. She gets really excited when she meets new people. She enjoys jumping and bouncing. Yes, bouncing like a rabbit. Ann also likes to take me for walks. I am that person you see being dragged down the road by their dog. So, in attempt to control her spastic behavior we have sought out the help of a professional. We are going through a 6 six obedience program with Buddy Cummings, a local dog trainer.  Hopefully she will pass with flying colors. We will keep you posted.

Want to see more photos of our sweet puppies? Click me!

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The Almost Finished Product

>> 8.12.2008


The Almost Finished Product, originally uploaded by jaimebarks.

Here is our wonderful barn! We still need to add shutters, window boxes and landscaping but the basic construction is complete.

We would like to give a BIG THANKS to Jason's Dad and to Doris and Sheldon for all their help! We also would like to thank Kevin for helping secure the loft.

To see more Barn photos please click here!

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Jason's Side


The man side, originally uploaded by jaimebarks.

A manly display of tools, all organized and neat.

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Jaime's Side of Barn


The lady side, originally uploaded by jaimebarks.

This is Jaime's little art space. You cannot tell in the photo but everything has been meticulously organized and labeled.

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In the Beginning . . .


101_0615.JPG, originally uploaded by jaimebarks.

In late May we started on a backyard improvement project that included building a storage building, a fence and landscaping. This is the very early stages of the project.

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nap time

>> 8.11.2008


nap time, originally uploaded by jaimebarks.

My Sweet little puppies.

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This is the story of our life in a small southern town. Wanna know more?

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