On: Growth Through Community

Our lives are marked by transition, and our feet don’t grow roots to tell us when to stay put. At every new season we find ourselves uncertain about what a step in a new direction might mean for us. Maybe we are desperate for change to lift us out of our monotony or afraid we took a wrong step somewhere or disappointed by our careers. Maybe it’s the success-driven culture we are raised in—but sometimes choosing to stay put is the least appealing option. Especially in Jackson, Tennessee.

Friday Night Teammates

Somewhere in my house there is a large photo album. Real, physical pictures fit into narrow plastic sleeves, telling my family’s story. If you look at one of the earlier pictures, you can see a small boy at a football game, wearing a much-too-big t-shirt and an oversized ball cap. It's Friday night, the lights are out. The boy stands at the rail, midfield, taking in the scope of the scene. His father stands beside him.

Missing Jackson, Part 4: "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing, Baby"

Yesterday I was driving to Tucson, Arizona, where you find those purple mountains majesty from "America The Beautiful" and funny border control checks. Today is a travel day, and we’re bound for Salt Lake City, surrounded by the seven men I’m traveling with who have headphones and are watching a movie or making music or trying to sleep. Each of is doing our own thing to pass the time on these long drives. Here’s a brief recap of the last thirteen days.

Fireflies and Fire Pits

While there are many signs that summer is making its exit and fall is peeking around the corner, the gradual disappearance of fireflies from my backyard is the flickering billboard announcing summer’s conclusion. The days grow shorter, time spent in the hammock might require one to be cocooned inside a well-worn comforter, and the sunsets are all the more vivid. Being a native Floridian, the home of only two seasons (pre-spring and summer), it was quite a treat to see the leaves turn color.

EssaysGuest ContributorOctober 13, 2015Jackson TN, Tennessee, Tracie Barnard, fall, autumn, seasons, apples, Crock Pot, cooking, food, football

Missing Jackson, Part 3

There’s something to be said for being below the Mason-Dixon line while the college football season plays out. Yes, you can try and find the Manhattan affiliate grill & bar of your favorite team to watch the game in. Maybe you’re even lucky enough to have some people from your original hometown that live around you and you can have viewing parties with each other. These sorts of things I’ve somewhat figured out in my previous years of living in NYC.