Hi,

My name is Mark. I grew up in the ridge and valley region of East Tennessee. The Great Smoky mountains loomed to the east of me and the cumberland plateau rose to my west.

I said I lived the life depicted in STAND By Me. I could not believe it when I saw the movie. I told my wife that Stephen King had been following me through childhood. LOL.

My earliest memories are my dog Brownie, and my brother and sisters all being at home with me. Since my oldest sister is 16 years older than I, and the next youngest sibling is my brother whom is 10 years older than me, I didn't get to enjoy their comradeship very long.

So, I stuck with my neighborhood friends, Wade, Tommy and Ricky. They were all 4 years older than me so life could be rough at times. I was the one that was always talked into doing the stupid stuff they wouldnt do. Such as Breaking Old Mrs. Pyles window on two occasions. Got my ass busted BAD for that!

I guess I should give you more background so you can understand the time I lived in. I was born in 1959, so my formative years were in the wild and wooly 60's. Even living in a small protected area like I did, the troubles of my country trickled down to us. We could see on TV what was happening around us.

When I was 7, I climbed up in my treehut and threw a bag of rocks onto a police car. I was taken into the police station (think Mayberry) scared to death by the officers and forced to call my mother and tell her where I was.
The police took me home with sirens and lights blazing. They thought it would embarass me, but it didnt. I thought it was cool as hell. Mom was embarassed though.

I have a shitload of stories to tell you, but it is 1am and I am tired. Keep checking back here and laugh and cry with me as I take you back to STAND BY ME.