Friday, February 27, 2009

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.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

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.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Valentina at ATRC


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

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

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.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

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.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009