Crossville & Tennessee Blogs

I came home Wednesday as usual and proceeded to my garden. We looked up and there was a swarm of bees coming straight for us!

We sat down on the ground as they hovered and then continued their flight to a near by small maple tree. Yes I started to panic but as we watched they all began to circle, land and group in the center of the tree.

Slowly we walked back to the house and watched from afar as thousands of honey bees began to create their new hive.

After making a few calls we ended up with a phone number to a local bee keeper - he stated that they had recieved several calls over the last month from residents in our area with this same problem. They are not sure but bee experts are puzzled as to why this is happening more and more. I did hear a while back that scientists are worried about the livelyhood of bees due to years of pesticides and polution. It has been suggested that they are moving to more safe area's to rebuild their homes/hives.

Not only was this scary and exciting it was very educational as the Keeper told us what he was doing step by step. At this point almost all the bees had formed a large ball as they clinged together on the tree. The Keeper used a large dust pan type brush to slowly move the bees and spot the Queen who was very distinctively different "all gold and larger". He placed her in the box he brought with him and within an hour all the other bees followed. (His son was there to help with the smoker).

Here are a few pictures below of our real life Bee Movie experience.

If you live in the middle Tennessee area and find yourself in this situation. Be sure to give local Bee Keeper and expert JEFF DAYTON a call. (931) 484-9430

CHRISTINA WILLIAMS . FIRST REALTY COMPANY. CROSSVILLE TN (931) 484-1005 / (931) 510-0859 www.crossvilleblogs.com

RICH DANSEREAU, ANGELA ELLIOT AND ROBIN SHERMAN All surprised me this morning as their e-mails hit me with the "Super Meme". I'm not sure who started this little extention of the original version but I would love to see more questions!  With only one cup of coffee in me and damp toes from my morning dog walk in flip flops...here goes.

 1. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST? This might seem a bit corny to some of you but "I just can't help myself". My favorite M.Artist is by far ELTON JOHN. This is mostly to blame on my growing up in a home that constantly played his records (Along with many other 70's Artists). When ever I need a pick me up or music to make me feel good I pop in one of his Cd's. It is not unusual to find me singing along in my car.

2. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ARTIST? I love Art in all forms of creation but funky paintings are among my favs. JANET KARAM has to be my passion of the moment. She is not shy when it comes to color and every painting has a funky edge.

3. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE BLOGGER?  Sorry guys... There is no way I can break this down to just one blogger. I have several that I subscribe to and enjoy reading and learning from so many of you. I will say that in the sphere of the blogging world AR hosts some of the best bloggers on the web.

4. IF YOU COULD MEET ANYONE (ALIVE OR DEAD), WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING THING ABOUT THEM? This would be Queen Elizabeth "The virgin queen". In her era ruled by religion and men she surpassed judgement and ruled a country as her destiny. As she said= "If I am to disclose to you what I should prefer if I follow the inclination of my nature, it is this: beggar-woman and single, far rather than queen and married!" (From Haigh, Elizabeth I, 13-20.)

5. WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I always thought of being a veterinarian but as I learned that blood can make me a bit sick to my stomach sometimes I turned my profession to business. If I could do it all over again I would get a degree in Science. (Atmospheric & Universe)

6. WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING PEICE OF TRIVIA YOU KNOW? Or what is the most interesting peice of trivia to me...  A while back I read that a Sneeze travels out your mouth at over 100 mph! "No wonder I feel like my head is going to explode sometimes!

 7. IF YOU COULD LIVE IN ANY POINT IN HISTORY WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY? I would step back in time to the height of the Lighthouse era as a lighthouse keeper. Me, seclusion and the sea.

8. WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING JOB YOU EVER HELD? I worked for a company who took aerial photos of homes and farms. Going up in the little plane and mapping out the homesteads was very exciting for a 20-something enthusiastic girl.

I did it!  Now it is your turn. I will gladly return the favor and hit a few of my AR peeps with the Super Meme. No excuses... I did it!   o.O

• YVETTE SMITH
• LINDSAY PENDLETON
• FRANK LADBECK
• MATT THOMPSON
• BILL SOMERSET
• JEREMY BLANTON
• PAM BRIDGES
• CELESTE "SALLY" CHEESEMAN
• LOREENA YEO
• ROLAND WOODWORTH
• MELISSA GRANT

(JUST FOR FUN) This is one of the coolest tools out there. Cartoonize or sketch your photos!  I've been playing around with portraits, pets and scenery. Tired of your usual website and blog image? Have a little fun with it by changing yourself into a cartoon. This site is free and very easy to work. You can also create a personal cartoon avatar of yourself "for a small fee".  But if you just want to cartoon a current photo "go for it" no cost!  Also for free You can have fun with adding accessories and text to your photos. Would you like a new frame for your online pic? They have tons. Here are a few photos that I've experimented with of myself, pets, family and friends. BE FUNKY

Have fun all.

Some of my AR Peeps "Accessorized" !

  Learn more by joining REALTOR LIFE community group.

The first time I heard the term "Stick-built" a few years ago I was like "excuse me? what kind of home?" 

I was then nonchalantly told by a training Realtor "Yes, a stick-built home on site, just means a frame home" As he looked at me with the phrase (Duhhhh) in a little cloud over his head.

The picture to your left is the only vision I could come up with at the time for a "stick built home"!

A few months later while eagerly showing clients new homes I blurted out the jargon... "This is a STICK-BUILT HOME ON SITE" Of course I had a big smile to go along with it! The clients look at me with confused frowns. I then related the description I had been told a few months earlier.

I could tell that my clients did not enjoy these words of choice for the home they seen as their new dream purchase.

Since then I have refrained from using such jargon as the Stick-built home. Instead I use "This is a frame build home opposed to a brick home or log home ect.... There is nothing sturdy or complementary about the Fraze STICK-BUILT... but I'm  still hearing this term more and more.... What Fraze do you use?

 Crossville, Tennessee is still one of the top places to relocate or retire. Find yourself in a new construction modern home in town or the country. Crossville and surrounding area's offers a life style for just about everyone.

Folks here tend to take their time and enjoy the views and friendly hospitality.

When looking for your perfect home "The home that calls your name when you walk in the door" I would like to make it a little easier and relaxed.

View my website for a complete list of homes, or property for sale in the Upper Cumberland area. Find what your looking for and give me a call and we will be off to view your next nest.

When it comes to one of the biggest investments in your life, it is nice to know that it can be easier than you think.

Visit www.tennesseepropertypros.com today and click on Advanced property search. Come see the difference FIRST REALTY MAKES.

CHRISTINA WILLIAMS With First Realty Company. Tennessee Real Estate. CROSSVILLE, TN.

Serving, CUMBERLAND, PUTNAM, FENTRESS, WHITE & MORGAN COUNTIES.

Showing property in my area is a wide diversity of landscaped color. From farms, large wooded land tracks, mountain views and country living. There is also another landscaped color of Retirement communities, luxury homes and new commercial property.

Crossville, Tennessee and a large surrounding area map between Nashville and Knoxville offers just this. Big country living with a few luxury spots & Retirement living.

Now, I'm a strong believer in dressing for success or dressing for the job you want!  But at the same time "I've just gotta be me!"

I have Buyers from the East Coast to the beaches fo Florida. Depending on the type of property I'm showing them will determine how I will dress for the day. If I'm showing Retirement communities, Luxury homes or Commercial property.. Yes I wear nice slacks, maybe a suit and pretty heels. But for the most part the property I show is rural as most tend to move to this part of Tennessee to escape the city life.

When I first meet my buyers looking for country living I'm usually greeted with a big smile or a surprised look that turns into a smile!  ; )  (I wear jeans and boots)  

If I'm going to be walking farm land, hiking through wooded acres to find a running creek or river, or viewing homes in rural area's.... "You'll find me in jeans, boots and a nice shirt."  The very next day my buyers tend to show up in more appropriate attire!  This brings a more relaxed atmosphere regardless if my buyers are millionaires or looking for a small cabin.

I always smile when I'm waiting for an agent to bring buyers to one of my listings in these rural area's and she or he is dressed to show luxury homes. Her heels get stuck in the mud and his leather church shoes get all scuffed up. I also notice that the relationship between these constant high end dressing agents and their buyers is a bit on the stuffy side.

This probably also accounts for a few of my Sellers contacting me instead of the agent who sold them their home.

Just remember to be yourself and try to incorporate a laid back helpful view to each buyer and seller. Most of all don't forget to dress for you environment or you'll get stuck in the mud!

(IF ALL ELSE FAILS.. You can't go wrong with a nice pair of khakis and a polo type shirt!)

sUbScRIbE fOr mOrE hElPfUl bLoGs

Cummings Mill Falls, located in Putnam County, Tennessee is as hidden as a waterfall can get.

This natural area is located on private property. The owner has given the public access at their own risk.

I had some Buyers who are big time hikers and wanted to see some TN waterfalls.

To see the big falls from below you have to rappel down the side of a mountain about 150 feet.

My Buyers where not up to rapelling but they enjoyed the rugged hike and views of several mini falls.

This was my first Tennessee waterfall experience when I moved here several years ago. I continue to go back each summer, winter, spring & fall to repel to the bottom for a day of swimming and taking a waterfall shower. I do not advise those who are not experienced hikers or rappelers to attempt going to the bottom but for the average hiker the pictures here will be your view.

I will get back out to the falls soon so bookmark this blog for more photos of the big falls and repelling.

From Crossville take I40 West to Cookeville. Take the Willow Ave Exit. Turn right at end of exit. Continue through Cookeville on Willow avenue. After you pass college continue about 15 miles to Cummings Mill Rd. Turn Left. Continue about 7 miles, go over bridge and look for pull over areas on your right. Follow paths to falls.

Buying or Selling Real Estate in the middle/East Tennessee area? Contact CHRISTINA WILLIAMS with FIRST REALTY COMPANY. 931-510-0859

 sUbScRiBe fOr mOrE bLoGs

25 Acres with Magestic bluff views. This Tennessee Land owners dream is located in Wilder, TN Just 20 miles from Crossville and north of Monterey In Fentress County.  

Wilder Mountain offers privacy with nature and moutains just out your back door. Property ajoins year round running river and several hundred of untouched acerage.

For more information contact Christina Williams with First Realty company of Crossville, TN.  $124,900

This lot is the last of it's kind in this area. FRC # 600408

Two lots for sale in McMinnville, Tennessee's elaborate "LINKS" Subdivision. Walking distance to modern and beautifully landscaped golf course. Close to shopping and dinning.

McMinnville, Tennessee is known as the Nursery captial of the world. The is apparent by the gorgeous landscaped homes and businesses throughout the city.

McMinnville is located off Hwy 111 from Sparta, TN. In Warren County. This Mountain view location is perfect for relocation or retirement.

There are only a few lots left for sale in the "Links" As this prime property is unique from the rest.

Crossville's Fifth Street Mural "Downtown" was completed in April of this year 2008. Artist & New York Muralist Kaite Yamasaki along with student artists and community members, created a master piece for all of us to enjoy.

Made possible by a grant to the Tennessee Arts commission, The city of Crossville and several individual donations.

The Bright colored Mural reflects and showcases the history of Crossville and Cumberland County. Including Native Americans, Agricultural, Pioneer & Military past, Religious life and local organizations and landmarks.

Thanks Tennessee and all who helped bring a "New" landmark to life that we all can enjoy!