Too Much can be art

I've always thought that it only takes a few bumper stickers before they start to cancel each other out. However, if you push something far enough, it can turn into something else entirely. I saw this in the Greenlife parking lot, and while the owner of this car clearly has a message he's trying to put across, my appreciation was purely aesthetic.

Tom Mills Memorial

There was an amazing memorial gathering for Tom Mills at Penland on Saturday. It started with a big, quiet circle around this tripod on the knoll. That's Tom's bike suspended above the group. Then everyone went inside for an hour of stories and memories--some of them remarkable. I think everyone learned something new about Tom's life. That's what's so great about that kind of memorial--you learn things about someone you may have known for years.


In addition to a nice album of photos made by Tom, there was a large table covered with photos of Tom, including this gem.

Valentina at ATRC

The Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center has a new horse, Valentina.

Tom Mills

It was a shock to learn from Rob Levin this morning that Tom Mills died last night. He had a heart attack while mountain biking with his close friend Tom Dancer.

Tom Mills was a photographer, a web designer, a carpenter, a naturalist, a musician, an athlete, a true outdoorsman, a good friend, and a damn good guy. Last summer I was invited to his birthday party and was astounded to discover that he was 60. Rob said we were going to have to redefine what 60 actually meant. Now, I just can't believe he's gone.

Hug your loved ones; we all hang by a thread.

Trees leaving town

Grindstaff Road, early this morning.

The Sports Section

Bill making his move at the Scrabble tournament.


Tim raking in the little bucks after winning a hand of low-stakes poker.

Tree, moon, venus