12/07/2025
One of the things I love about our little farm store is the people I get to meet. From my daily customers to first-time shoppers, I get to interact with some pretty interesting folks.
People I may have passed in Walmart and never would have shared so much as a smile or a “hello”—not because I’m a snob, but because we’re all too busy fighting normal daily struggles or focused on that list of things still needing our attention.
When someone walks into our store, I get a moment to share a smile and maybe a little bit of someone’s life story. I truly love these interactions.
Today, as people popped in and out of the store, some lingered long enough to share a little bit of their lives with me. 😊😊😊
Whether it was someone who grew up here on the plateau and calls this neck of the woods their “old stomping grounds,” or someone who’s here as a transplant like myself, it ALWAYS makes me smile from the inside out when I get the opportunity to hang out a little while and talk. Lord knows I’m not shy on words.
I read a bumper sticker once that said, “I wasn’t born in Tennessee, but I got here as quick as I could.”
I remember smiling as those words passed through my mind, because Tennessee is one of those places that makes you glad to call it home. And Crossville is quickly becoming a little melting pot of people who are genuinely happy to be here.
Some of the connections today started because we shared common roots; with others, it was a collection of similar interests. And then there was a longstanding resident who, after she left, felt like an old friend who I wished had hung out even longer. ❤️
We shared stories of the past, maybe a little bit of home-crafted libation 😳, as well as some great conversation about the future of our little farm store and how we hope to see it transform as we move into January.
Needless to say, it was a great day, and I want to thank everyone for the positive comments and encouragement to move forward.
Anyway, as usual—and in true Kim fashion—I took a desire to share a word or two about what made me smile today, and suddenly I’m in episode four of season two.
Thank you for sharing your stories with me today. I look forward to hearing more about the friends I haven’t even met yet, as well as the conversations I’m blessed with on a daily basis.
Night All, this chick’s tired.