THE OLD MAN OF BLOOD MOUNTAIN

LIKE HELL

2012-02-07T20:12:00.001-08:00

THE SOUTH HAS RISEN, AND WILL DIE AGAIN

2012-02-02T18:42:00.000-08:00

Jack Pendarvis recently wrote that, “...there is no more Southern Music”, a depressing yet true statement. “Game Over”, his article in the 75th issue of The Oxford American, describes this decline in one of the South’s finest traditions. I would agree with Pendarvis, though disagree as to the why and the what.

In the article, Pendarvis equates Southern music to thereministes, who, in learning only to master classical pieces of symphony, “act as censors, giving the public those sounds they think the public will like, [Shielding them] from new sound experiences.” I would agree, and note that every burnt out, washed up, reformed, or otherwise sold out musician with a guitar and a Muddy Waters cover song only digs the grave of southern music 33 ⅓ inches deeper.

However trite these knock off white boy blues are, and yes, it takes one to know one, they are not the reason southern music has died. In truth, it’s not only southern music that has died, but also southern culture as a whole. And it has not died in the traditional sense of the word. It is more accurate to say that the southern way of life has lost its identity, its uniqueness, its cardinal direction.

There are certain things I am immediately reminded of when I read Faulkner’s Absalom Absalom. The first is unmistakable feelings of loss. Taking place before, during, and after the civil war, the book captures the feelings of an entire generation who have lost their way of life. Here however, I contradict myself. How can a southern culture, built on stories of loss of identity and existential crisis, loose its identity? I would attribute it to the second truth of Faulkner’s to which I attest. That is, the tendency of every southerner, native or born again, to speak in the way that Faulkner writes. They tell stories never ending, the supposed conclusion of one only leading the start of another, a veritable history book written in the parenthetical.

Though southern in its roots, Faulkner’s trade of photographing eras in the low lighting of their darkest hours has grown far past its habitat, much like the Kudzu that now threatens Rowan Oak’s pastures and out buildings. McCarthy transplanted it from Tennessee to the west, Twain piloted it all up and down the Mississippi and Vladimir Nabokov cultivated his own garden of depression in Russia.

How can an identity of phrase and speech be stolen? It starts with words like “y’all” and “aint” diffusing into the vocabulary of the nation. Then, the train wreck of culture builds and culminates when New York times articles about Ole Miss are printed out and handed back and forth from alumni and future students. These “rebels” revel in the attention that their beloved Grove receives, placing the column between their bible and abandoned copy of The Help on their bedside table, dreaming of the dress or sport coat they will wear to their first tailgate.

This expose on the beauty of the South not only “humbles” the students of their opportunities, but baits a hook of class and culture before casting into the many geographical regions of the country. As I toured the campus of Auburn, yet another of the South’s uniquely beautiful campuses, I meet other prospectives from Utah, Texas and Pennsylvania. This baffled me, I had no idea that anyone would consider travelling to the South to study while I dreamed of attending the University of Colorado-Boulder no matter the consequences. A friend and future lawyer at Ole Miss confessed that “No one tells you about the girls, but when you get on campus you can tell they’re special”. Another nail in the coffin of the South. You no longer need to travel and experience to find women so unique, you simply turn on the regional search on eHarmony.

For years, I subscribed to the thought that Dixie alone was the keeper of loss, bearer of the keys to resentment and spite. However, in years of late I have found this to be untrue. The economic recession of 2008, the Arab Spring movement in the middle east, and the Occupy Wall Street protests show that the South is not the only area swamped with hardships and degradation.

Increased globalization and political awareness has revealed that the South is not the only geographical region of losers. Which points out another loss of Southern identity. We’re no longer losers. Our universities and colleges are some of the greatest centers of learning in the country, our football teams win, some more that others, our actors star, and most importantly, our culture spreads. Seersucker in New York? Mint Juleps in L.A.? Bluegrass festivals in England? Who knew so many people would come to idolize life in the grove?

I would attribute it to the spirit of “never loosing a party”. The world, in its depression, has turned to the experts in masking feelings with linens, literature and liquer. The bible belt now provides for the world what it, historically, provided only for the flat broke writer, the estranged sons, the empty, cheated and unpopular. A chance to win at drowning their sorrows, a banner behind which to escape self doubt, a haven where alcoholism is accepted and moderation is frowned upon.

As a culture once closely guarded by tradition, wealth, blood, and even muskets is swallowed whole by a vast population, Southerners find themselves in a conundrum. That is, to globalize and loose their identity, or to remain stagnant, dooming themselves to the changing tides of pop culture and consumer fickleness. As predicted at the end of every playing of “From Dixie with Love”, the South has risen again. But for how long? Are we doomed like Icarus for embracing the wave of popularity until it dashes us against the rocks? I believe so. The South has risen, and will die again as soon as the streams bourbon and bow-ties dry up to reveal the sacks of garbage submerged in the proverbial mud. And then, southerners will have something to sing, write, and cheer about once again.

IN WHICH I GROW A BEARD

2012-01-29T16:35:00.000-08:00

STILLS

2012-01-23T20:08:00.000-08:00

(Some art done for a friend's and sister's christmas present, certainly not for me)

(Dream machine)

(My new ride, Motobecane Elite FS)

(Too many books is not a problem)

COLLEGE

2012-01-08T12:24:00.000-08:00

THE MUIR PROJECT

2012-01-04T20:03:00.000-08:00

Anyone want to help my recreate this? (VIA Adventure Journal)

Almost There - The Muir Project from The Muir Project on Vimeo.

MOGWAI x 2PAC x EMINEM

2012-01-03T20:00:00.000-08:00

Click this link to the best mashup I have ever heard. Mogwai x 2pac x Eminem - DJ Oreanda

Pretty much everyone I know should hear this.

BOOTS

2011-12-19T23:15:00.000-08:00

An old pair of my Clarks chucka boots compared to my girlfriend's Brooks Brothers.

TUXACHANIE TRAIL

2011-12-18T19:02:00.000-08:00

Some pictures from a November hike on the Tuxachanie Trail in De Soto National Forest.

OXFORD AMERICAN #75

2011-12-11T20:48:00.000-08:00

Just got my copy of the Oxford American's 13th Annual Music Issue featuring amazing music from my home state, Mississippi. Check it out, you won't be disappointed, the CD's are perfect for a weekend road trip through the magnolia state.

(OA has the best graphic designers, PERIOD.)

STILLS

2011-11-25T23:21:00.000-08:00

Alabama

Wingtips

Hardaway-Whitworth Hounds

Mount Vernon

Clear-cut in Mississippi

Pipes in Rome

Italy

Italy

Nevada

Auburn

SIN REPRESAS

2011-11-25T23:08:00.000-08:00

Watch this great video, "Sin Represas" or "Without Dams", put together by Patagonia about Chile's proposed dams in the heart of patagonia. The video ends with the reminder that the best way to save our recourses is to visit. I wish it were that simple.

VIKINGS

2011-11-16T18:11:00.000-08:00

In honor of a very special video game, I decided to create a post with all of my favorite viking/nordic/medieval things. You'll excuse me if I miss my nerdier metal days as my family does hail from Sweden. This sunday I'm going to the Louisiana Renaissance Festival in Hammond, LA, a yearly tradition of my family. A good source of medieval, viking, and other period costumes is Medieval Collectables.

Beowulf: The Script Book, much better than the movie and the commentary by Neil Gaiman is great.

The Secret of Kells

Amon Amarth

Lego Viking Chess

The Hobbit movie is coming out soon. Check out this production video of the official blog.

I remember seeing this on Sundance a while ago. Until the Light Takes Us is a really interesting documentary about the rise of Black Metal and the attrocities attributed to it in Norway.

BOUNDARY ROCK

2011-11-02T19:18:00.000-07:00

I just listened to a great story about the Boundary Rock over at CBC Radio. The search for the fabled rock, lost for over 100 years, is documented in on the CBC's In the Field program, give it a listen and find out where the rock went. (VIA Cold Splinters)

(Looking through pictures of the Tobeatic Wilderness on Flicker makes me itch for some time outdoors.)

ORANGE

2011-10-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

Blame it on UT, the DDC, or whaterever have you, but orange is the best color this side of the spectrum.

DAY OF THE DEAD

2011-10-16T20:55:00.000-07:00

Oxford, MS

2011-10-04T20:29:00.001-07:00

I took a trip to Oxford, MS a few weeks ago to visit Ole Miss and see the sights. All of these shots are taken at Rowan Oak except the last one.

(The Dexateens, so what if they're from AL. PS. HAIL STATE!)

Get Out And Ride

2011-09-28T20:12:00.000-07:00

"Golden Tree" by Martin Brooks from Ninian Doff on Vimeo.

Shopping Spree - Cabela's

2011-09-19T18:52:00.000-07:00

Shopping spree at Cabela's, my Grandpa's dream. Pretty nice selection to choose from in the blaze or camo color schemes. I chose orange.

Pack - Kelty Red Cloud
Knife - Bear & Son Cutlery(Some really amazing knives over at their website.)
Vest - Waxed Cotton Goose Down
Shirt - Blaze Upland Shirt
Belt - Carhartt Anvil
Pants - Cabela's Briarguard
Socks - Smartwool Medium Hiker (Previously)
Boots - Irish Setter 9" Wingshooter

(Orange is better....)

Little Piece of Gold

2011-09-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

Found this treasure at Treasure Hunt after a fire sale. Reminds me of Cold Splinters.

(They look so young and friendly)

Land Rover Defender - Top Gear

2011-09-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

Speaking of the greatest car in the world...

Land Rover Defender

2011-09-11T18:57:00.000-07:00

Some pictures of my mom's 1991 Land Rover Defender. Amazing SUV, couldn't ask for a cooler car. I usually drive a truck, but I trade for this at any chance.

(Left hand drive, AND left hand ignition)

(For getting lost)

(4 side facing bench seats in the rear)

Patagonia - Powered by eBay

2011-09-07T20:10:00.000-07:00

Nice feature I noticed today on Patagonia's website. It lets users auction their used PataBROnia gear on their site. Sounds like a great idea, their clothes last forever and hopefully you can score some price cuts. (Seriously, $600. Where's my sponsorship?)

Louis Reith

2011-08-30T20:01:00.000-07:00

Louis Reith is an artist with a truly amazing understanding of the beauty in simplicity and in geometry. For more on Reith check out his website, Flickr, and Little Paper Planes page. (Via Cold Splinters)

Private Party

2011-08-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

Sounds amazing. Can't wait to hear it! (Via Logcabineer)

Shopping Spree - UrbanOutfitters

2011-08-25T20:33:00.000-07:00

August, I just that means it's time to be a hipster. So time for a shopping spree at Urban Outfitters. Check out Foster Huntington's interview over there while you're browsing through the skinny jeans and ironic t-shirts.

Jacket - CPO Parson Jacket
Shirt - Crate Chambray Shirt
Belt - Nepal Leather Belt
Shorts - Wash Dry Goods Combat Short
Shoes - Vans Authentic
Backpack - Topo Designs Klettersack (Check out the blog Men and Women of Industry and their website for more great stuff like this.)

Watch band

2011-08-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

I recently replaced my blaze orange watch strap with a nicer calf skin leather one from Tech Swiss. Looks good and was a great anniversary present from my girlfriend.

Boy's Life

2011-08-16T16:37:00.000-07:00

Boy's Life, the magazine of the Boy Scouts of America, has been around since 1911. You can view all of the issues online at boyslife.org/wayback from past and present. Be careful, this one's a daywrecker and will have you sucked in for hours browsing old kodachrome camping pictures and reading stories. Reminds me of the vintage issues of Backpacker that you can read online, some amazing stuff there too.

SoLost: Midnight Muscle Shoals

2011-08-09T20:06:00.000-07:00

With bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Drive-By Truckers, and The Black Keys all writing and recording music in one place you know it must be special. Oxford American takes a closer look at the Muscle Shoals Recording Studio in the latest of their series SoLost. Check out all the other episodes, William Eggleston Plays the Piano is one of my favorites.

Stills

2011-08-07T20:23:00.001-07:00

I claim none of this art except this first print. I made it for a competition held by Mogwai on their fan website Brightlight. Won second place and a free EP, so I was pretty happy.

UPM

2011-07-20T22:43:00.000-07:00

"As the frontrunner of the new forest industry, UPM leads the integration of bio and forest industries into a new, sustainable and innovation-driven future. Our products are made of renewable raw materials and are recyclable."

UPM, an environmentally conscious logging company, runs a great interactive site explaining their forestry practices. Anyone interested in Biodiversity, sustainable forestry, wildlife, or nature in general should check out their Forest Life mini site. Now if only this type of eco responsibility would take hold here in the states something might be done about the environmental crisis the world faces today.

Odds and Ends

2011-07-12T23:37:00.000-07:00

A sampling of miscellaneous pictures I have taken in the past year.

(Sharpen 'em yourself)

Art

2011-07-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

One of two pieces I made today. The shapes were taken from a dream. I call the piece 'Bottle Tree'.

Summer Uniform

2011-07-07T22:20:00.001-07:00

Hat - Dodgers (I'm playing better than that team right now...)
Glasses - Fossil
Croakie - Buffalo and Company
Shirt - Fleetwood Mac Vintage
Shorts - Patagonia Baggies
Shoes - Chaco Z2

Steve Earle

2011-07-03T23:33:00.000-07:00

(It's a swagger portrait for sure)

Seeing as today is an important day in American history, I decided to post about one of the greatest American songwriters ever to live. I am of course talking about Steve Earle. He's got a new album and book out, check them both out, very worth it. Also read this excellent article in the aptly named American Songwriter Magazine all about Steve.

(I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive - Steve Earle)

Hiking Out West

2011-06-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

Here's a few pictures I took on a hike outside of Las Vegas with my Grandpa. The big tanks are a water collection and supply system put together by the Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn ('Papa Jack' is a member)for big horn sheep in the area. We didn't see any there, but we saw 45 on a cliff next to a mining project on the way out.

(Yours truly checking water levels)

Summer

2011-06-08T20:27:00.001-07:00

It Is What It Is

2011-06-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

Vic Chesnutt was an amazingly inspirational and moving singer songwriter who died December 2009 of suicide. The new documentary 'It Is What It Is' follows one of Chesnutt's last shows that November. Chesnutt's music is so beautiful, heart-wrenching, and unique. The powerful emotions he conjures in this show are multiplied by the intimate setting and foreshadowing of the tragic event to follow.

The Burning House

2011-05-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

The folks over at The Burning House made me think. What is most important to me, and what would I grab (Other than family) if the smoke alarms went off. It might be a little much to grab in such an emergency, but oh well, this is my blog. While I truly hope I never have to grab any of these at 3 A.M., here's what I would take. (Clockwise from top left.)

Horse blanket made by my grandmother
Macbook
External Hard-drives
Nalgene 1L Widemouth water bottle, my faithful companion
Polo wool sweater
Levi's straight fit jeans with Timberland belt
Mauro P. wingtips bought in Rome
Smartwool hiking socks
Envelope of love letters
Sketchbook
Travel Diary
Timex watch with orange J.Crew band
Tibetan yak bone bracelet (Signifies that everything I do should be meaningful)
Keys: Truck, House, and Mandolin
Wallet containing St. Hubert's medal, and old foxhunting tradition.

New Look

2011-05-30T21:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the slow(er than usual) posts. Hopefully I can make it up with a new design, some bluegrass, and the promise of more of the usual stuff I post here.

Trampled By Turtles - Silver and Gold

Buffalo and Company

2011-05-30T20:37:00.000-07:00

Buffalo and Company is a conservation advocate, a history lesson, and an amazing heritage men's collection rolled into one store.

"We thought we could build the company by word of mouth. Not by big money or huge marketing campaigns with flashy models. We didn't have the big money anyways. But we would do it honestly and organically. If it worked, it would be because people believed in it, not because we created a trend with fake models and trendy designers. A movement of sorts. Through people who believed this was important too. The ideas of hard work, honest values, classic styles, and a little rugged feel."

With such a motto of manliness who could resist a deeper look at such an intriguing brand?

In their conservation tab you learn about this company's unique approach to it's business model and it's dedication to preserving our environment.

(R.E.L. Bow Tie? Christmas-birthday-kwansa-anything-pleeeeeeeaaaaassseeee?!)

The history element is obvious browsing through their wares and website. All the shirts and ties are named after historical greats from Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Lee alike.

While the conservation and historical figures are enough for me to fall in love with this company, the great styles, blends of heritage and modern designs, and inexpensive prices solidify this as a quality brand that I will keep my eye on for years to come. The prices rival and easily beat most competing heritage brands.

(Just look at the beautiful texture on the 'Old Hickory Belt'.)

Buy from this great brand HERE.

Why I Love The New South - Music

2011-05-04T17:22:00.000-07:00

There's no argument that the South has the best historical and, in my opinion, contemporary music there is.

A.A. Bondy - American Hearts

The Avett Brothers - Die Die Die

Caitlin Rose - Spare Me

Chatham County Line - Crop Comes In

The Civil Wars - Poison & Wine

Drive-By Truckers - Used to Be a Cop

Justin Townes Earle - Harlem River Blues

Stills

2011-04-06T20:29:00.000-07:00

Feeling those Transcendental Blues lately.

Steve Earle - Transcendental Blues

New Belt

2011-03-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

I'll take a minute here to talk about a newly acquired staple to my Spring/Summer wardrobe.

I got a 38mm Crescent Slider Belt from Bison Designs a few weeks ago. Great belt and a major step up from my previous Bison belt acquired in 5th grade. I will now proceed to gush about it.

One of my favorite details is how if fits perfectly into the belt loop of my stand up shorts. The old belt was right in between the two loops.

Great looking buckle design, very hardy looking.

And yes, made proudly in the USA. Great belt, and fro $15 i strongly suggest you get yourself on in any color or pattern you fancy.

Why I Love The New South - Style

2011-03-10T14:45:00.000-08:00

I've been feeling very southern of late. So I've decided to compile a list of the things that make me proud to call this region my home. There are quite a few reasons so I'll split them up into separate posts. Here's the first of the series, 'Style'. Since it's my blog I decided I would start it off with a few pictures of my take on southern style.

(This individual will be expanded more upon in 'The Arts'.)

(Brooks Brothers)

(Style even extends to disc golf for some.)

(You might recognize this North Carolina band.)

(A Trip Down South showing great taste in mixing prep with southern.)

(Ewan McGregor in Big Fish.)

(Last five from Billy Reid, the design king of the New South.)

Yosemite Horsetail Fall

2011-03-03T17:25:00.000-08:00

Yosemite National Park puts out a series of videos called Yosemite Nature Notes. These serve as a great insiders look at the park and the amazing things happening there. This video is about Horsetail Fall, a seasonal waterfall fed by snow met. While the waterfall is beautiful and spectacular in itself it's truly beautiful when the evening light catches only the water and makes it seem to glow orange like in this famous picture by Galen Rowell.

Pictures like this make me want to get back out west with a camera or two in hand to see what beauty I can capture. For another amazing Yosemite natural occurrence check out the near mythical 'Moon-bow' over at The Adventure Journal.

Music of Late

2011-02-21T15:23:00.000-08:00

Cadillac Sky - Trapped Under The Ice

The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow

Bela Fleck - Buribalal

Caitlin Rose - Shanghai Cigarettes

A.A. Bondy - The Coal Hits The Fire (A fellow Mississippian, 'WELL HELL YEAH!')

Dreaming of Spring

2011-02-21T15:04:00.000-08:00

The weather is in full spring mode, I can only hope it will stay that way. I've had it with winter and am ready to be outside, even if it means sweating buckets this summer. This is my (hopeful) spring uniform.

Mandolin - Loar LM 520 VS(It'll be mine next time I have $500 to spend)
Glasses - Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer
Shirt - Patagonia Logo Organic Cotton T-Shirt
Belt - Bison Cresent
Shorts - Patagonia All Wear Shorts
Socks - Solmate Indian Summer Socks
Shoes - Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove (Desperately need new running shoes)

Keep Your Toes Warm

2011-02-02T19:45:00.000-08:00

I love my Smartwool socks. There are no other pair of sock more comfortable, warm, durable, and (and maybe a stretch) good looking. The pair of Hiking Medium Crew socks I bought have never let me down and show no inclination of doing so. Get a pair at the Smartwool website or at Backcountry.

For a less technical sock check out these 'Solmate Socks'. (Via Cold Splinters)

A Slight Case of Cabin Fever

2011-02-02T19:38:00.000-08:00

Been getting Cabin Fever pretty bad of late. We had just a few days of nice weather when I could break out the shorts, now that monster storm is sweeping through and I'm freezing at 30.

A few weekends ago a few like-minded outdoor friends and I went on a one day hike in De Soto National Forest (Way better when it's not 90 degrees like last time). Everything froze over that night, with temps in the mid 20's, but overall it was a great trip and I got some great pictures I'll share here.

The Decemberists - Down By The Water

Patagonia Gets It

2011-01-24T18:26:00.000-08:00

These are some pictures (Swiped from The Adventure Journal) from Patagonia's Fall 2011 line. Great colors and great styles. Retro and modern. Good and damn good. Patagonia gets their demographic, because they are their demographic. While waiting for these styles to hit the catalogs, stock up on stand up shorts and A/C shirts for summer.
(This one will set you back $500)

(I've already put the money aside for this one)

The Daily Bike

2011-01-12T19:00:00.000-08:00

Steve Casimiro runs a great outdoor blog, aptly named 'Adventure Journal'. It's full of great pieces on travel, ski, gear, the environment, and more. By far my favorite series is 'The Daily Bike' where (Almost) every day Steve posts a great shot of a bike, whether it be cycle cross, tour de France, mountain bikers, or just commuters. Here's a few of my favorite selections. Once you're done go, look and while your there read all the other great articles. All credit to Mr. Casimiro for finding these great shots.

The Avett Brothers

2010-12-26T21:22:00.000-08:00

I'll be gone until the 1st, staying and playing at the wonderful Camp Bratton Green in Canton, MS. So in my stead I leave you with one of my favorite group of artists (From North Carolina too!) of all time, The Avett Brothers.

I received this live dvd/cd/poster/bandana combo for Christmas. Already watched it twice and it's worth many more. This is one of their best songs, great on the live cd, and extremely impressive when they shoot off the lyrics REM End of the World style in the first verse. Watch the video, and I strongly recommend the Live Vol. 3 DVD and every other song they've ever played.

Mountain Man

2010-12-20T21:10:00.000-08:00

Ed Presnell, a mountain craftsman and native of Watauga County, North Carolina, demonstrates and comments on the construction of a dulcimer. Presnell learned his craft from his father-in-law. Film includes a brief performance on a finished dulcimer by his wife, Nettie. This 16mm film is archived in the Thomas G. Burton and Jack Schrader collection in the Archives of Appalachia, East Tennesse State University. -Folkstreams

Watch this great video on Edd Presnell explaining the steps and intricacies of creating a dulcimer and other great movies (Medicine Fiddle is another favorite) at Folkstreams.

Ed reminds me of the Appalachian State University mascot, who's picture here was taken on a recent college trip through North Carolina.

Shopping Spree - J Crew

2010-12-07T20:02:00.000-08:00

How about a shopping spree from J Crew to get you ready for Christmas! I have all of these garments (of variations there-of) so this is almost a uniform look for me. The notable exception being the vest, never been big on them before but I liked the look of this one.

Hat - Saint James watch cap (For the Zizou vibe)
Vest - Crescent Down Works, North by Northwest vest (There's a very narrow cold front sweeping through the nation...)
Sweater - Enfield sweater
Shirt - Broken-In crewneck (Easily substituted for a good ol' Hanes)
Belt - BillyKirk small buckle belt
Jeans - Levi's 501
Socks - Marled socks
Shoes - Suede MacAlister boots (Cheating, but I would still choose my Clarks desert boots over these)

The King Is Dead

2010-11-20T20:41:00.000-08:00

This makes me very excited. January 18th is the official date for the new album 'The King Is Dead' by The Decemberists. Pre-Order starts 11/22, and I'll be splurging for vinyl. Read up on the story of their latest album 'The Hazards of Love' here.

Books For Fall

2010-11-03T18:42:00.001-07:00

I've been reading a lot this fall, here's a few titles.

Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson. (Great map, more books need maps.)

Holmes.

The House on Falling Star Hill. Great book with another great map.

Plain on the outside...

...But full of adventure. The Four Adventures of Richard Hannay by John Buchan.

Blitzed Brits by Terry Deary. The Blitz is big in British museums right now, which also means the Blitz (and hoards of fallout shelter paraphernalia purchased from ebay) is big with my mom. We have nearly every book in the 'Horrible Histories' collection. All well written, and peppered with illustrations and cheeky jokes as shown below.

The Black Island and Tintin In Tibet by Herge. Can't wait for the Tintin movie! Nick Frost and Simon Pegg are cast perfectly for the Thomson Twins.

Halloween Inspiration Board

2010-10-29T17:25:00.001-07:00

My family loves Halloween. We all love dressing up, making decorations, divulging in the scariest books and movies. Here's some pictures I took and found that made me excited for Halloween. This year I'm thinking of going in a victorian/steampunk outfit.

(Pictures from my Mom's recent trip to Kensington Palace)

(Our Halloween decorations)

(Tableware from Blackbird)

(I Sell The Dead)

(Fox ring on Etsy)

(The Decemberists, New album soon!)

(Gangs of New York)

(Poe)

(The Wolfman. Bad plot, great settings and costumes)

(Scottish castles, pictures taken on our last trip)

(Yours truely)

(Who's got their midnight tickets?)

And some music to go with it.

Shopping Spree - Blackbird

2010-10-28T17:33:00.000-07:00

Continuing the theme of 'If I were rich and needed to spend some money' is a shopping spree at Blackbird. This look kind of goes together in a Colorado-Utah college professor kind of way.

Hat - Pendleton Timberline Cap
Coat - Pendleton Chaparral Coat
Shirt - Penny Stock Chambray Striped Shirt (And affordable too!)
Bowtie - B14 Dark Floral
Belt - Tanner Skinny Mahogany
Jeans - Blackbird Hazlewood Jean
Boots - Wolverine 1000 Mile (Pretty steep on the price, I think I'll stick to my Clarks desert boots until those lottery tickets start to pay out big)
Cup - Blackbird Field House Mug

Heidi Fowler

2010-10-26T19:34:00.000-07:00

Heidi, a Virginia native, has some amazing art on her website. Love her blend of subtle and obvious elements to make a statement about the depreciation of our natural environment. Too many words, too little art.

Via OA

Chickens

2010-10-25T16:17:00.000-07:00

'Anderson Farms' started raising chickens at the beginning of this summer. A lot of the information I've used came from BackYard Chickens, lots of people there ready to answer and question. It's been my job to build the coop, feed the hens, clean the nesting boxes, and keep them safe from the neighborhood foxes. But who's complaining when Norma-Jene and Bessie-May (Good southern names) are laying an egg each a day? Not this farmer.

(Left is a store bought egg, right is Anderson Farms. Slightly smaller, but twice as tasty)

As if Everyone Knew Exactly What I Was Talking About

2010-10-18T18:23:00.001-07:00

Took a 4 hour canoe trip down the Wolf River this weekend with the Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain to look over their new land easements. Had a great day, saw some birds, picked up a few beer cans, and sang this the whole way down the river.

Shopping Spree - Orvis

2010-10-10T20:03:00.000-07:00

The theme of this post (And future posts on other stores) is 'If I had some real money to spend, just on this store...'. Not all of this goes together, but it's all wonderful stuff and I would wear any piece in a second. So, without further ado...

Hat - Tartan Driving Cap
Jacket - Washed Tweed Jacket
Sweater - Tweed Cable Turtleneck
Shirt - Pure Cotton Twill Shirt
Belt - Ultimate Shotshell Belt
Pants - Scottish Tartan Trousers (To match the hat of course...)
Shoes - Gokey Classic Double Sole Mocs
Accessory - Beer Cozy (Thanks 10 Engines)

On Second thought that all goes together pretty well.

Foxhunting

2010-09-05T18:19:00.000-07:00

Last February I went foxhunting with the Hard Away Whitworth Hounds in Faunsdale, AL. I was the guest of Jim Horne, my girlfriend's father, who has been teaching me to ride, jump, and play polo for the past year.

For those not familiar with American foxhunting, it is a sport in which riders follow a pack of hunting hounds, led by the huntsman to seek foxes, coyote, or other prey. There is no killing involved in the sport, only searching and chasing. We rode in the 'Hill-topper' group, dully named for riding at a slightly less break-neck pace and usually watching from the hills. The hunt was exhilarating, the scenery spectacular, and the day an amazing experience (Even without seeing any foxes).

Foxhunting also requires a certain attire for the occasion. Most recognizable are the bright red hunt coats worn by the master and 'Whipper-ins'. These must be earned through years of hunting or for exceptional deeds in the field. Below are pictures of my set up (Minus the stock tie).

(Still smells like whiskey from our family trip to Scotland 3 years ago.)

Fleet Foxes - English Houses

Vintage Gun Ads

2010-09-02T19:11:00.001-07:00

Field & Stream has a great slideshow of vintage gun ads from the 40's and 50's over on their website. Not a big marksman myself but I really like all of these ads. Head over to the slideshow for tons more.

Sambo Mockbee - Citizen Architect

2010-08-25T20:35:00.001-07:00

'Samuel “Sambo” Mockbee dedicated his life, as a teacher and as an architect, to creating architecture that not only elevated the living standards of the rural poor but also provided “shelter for the soul.” Mockbee was so committed to this pure act of service that, in 1991, he abandoned a full-time architectural practice with Coleman Coker and the firm Mockbee Coker Architects to accept a position at the Auburn University School of Architecture. It was there that he and long time friend and Auburn professor D.K. Ruth conceived of and founded the Rural Studio.' - Citizen Architect Website

I watched Citizen Architect the other night with my parents, both of whom are architects and have meet Samuel. (I could barely hear the audio over their 'Oh! We know that guy!' interruptions)

(Amazing bridge, leading to an amazing tower in the middle of the woods)

Years ago we took a family road trip to Newburn Alabama. The architecture was very beautiful and inspiring but also very emotionally sad. The situations that the residents of Newburn live in can range from 'Terrible' to 'Awful'. The rural studio is an amazing and life changing idea that can and has been spread all over the country, and subsequently the world.

Not only was Samuel gifted with skills in architecture, construction, and interaction with all maner of people, he also made incredible paintings and sketches.

Get more information about the amazing documentary 'Citizen Architect' at their website, and also check out a great article on Sambo on the Oxford American website.

Muddy Waters - Mannish Boy

Look - A love letter to fall

2010-08-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

Dear fall,

I love you. You are by far the greatest of all the seasons. With your cool air and your crisp autumn colors you put all the other seasons to shame.

Now if only you would hurry up so I could wear this.

Hat - Hardaway Whitworth Hounds
Jacket - Barbout Tourer
Watch - Timex Expedition Camper
Shirt - Brooks Brothers Graph Button Down
Belt - Billykirk Skinny Belt
Pants - J Crew Vintage Cords (I usually wear a pair of olive cords from Gap but can't find them online, oh well)
Socks - Fox River Mills (Sock monkey socks are the best)
Shoes - Clarks Desert Boots

Horse Feathers - Working Poor

'Lines Across the Sand'

2010-08-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

Edward Abbey is practically an idol to me. Very wise/funny/cantankerous in his ways. A new documentary about the real people who inspired the characters in 'The Monkey Wrench Gang' is being produced by ML Lincoln Films. You can donate $10 or more to help them meet their goal to get the project started.

For more Ed Abbey news head to my favorite site on the internet Cold Splinters. Image via the Wilderness.net gallery.

Mikal Kennedy

2010-08-18T19:25:00.001-07:00

Mikal Kennedy has some amazing photography over on his website. I'm seeing some spaces on my wall where these would look perfect.

Via Cold Splinters

A.A. Boundy - I Can See the Pines Are Dancing

The Name, Part 3

2010-08-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

Part 3 in the story of how I got the name. Part 1 and 2 are found Here and Here

5 o'Clock is very early for a 5th grader. 5 o'Clock is too early to eat, too early to talk, and too early to hike for a 5th grader. These arguments had absolutely no pull on the parents and teachers. We were at the trail head for Blood Mountain at 5:30 (Still no better). As we divided into groups however, we all seem to start waking up and feel the floods of excitement, waves of intrigue, and ripples of anxiety flow throughout our minds and bodies. My response, naturally, was to goof off. I started shambling around the parking lot like an old man, pantomiming a walker and a crooked back.

There it is, anticlimactic, but the story is not over yet. We still faced the 5.4 miles up and over Blood Mountain. We started, again running up the trail as if it were disappearing behind us. As we neared the top our anticipation mounted. I expected to burst through the thick April vegetation to the top of the mountain. Finally the moment came around noon, we entered onto a exposed piece of granite with a view 360 degrees of the surrounding wilderness. After marveling at the view, we ate lunch and explored the shelter. We could have stayed for days, but eventually the time came to head back down the mountain.

As we walked down I would like to say I thought of the view, the experience, the feeling of pure freedom, but I'm sure my thoughts were on my feet and stomach. Later that night, we went through our naming ceremony. We were each called up, presented our name and blessed in a traditional Native American ceremony. Most of the nicknames were funny. My friend dreux was 'Dreuxbo baggins' because of his shoe-less-ness in camp and short stature, Bradford was 'Model T-Ford' because 'He never stopped trucking' and Joseph was 'Caregiver' for his ever ready supply of band-aids and medical supplies.

This trip is one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I'm so glad it has affected me in such a positive way. (Plus I got the coolest trail name)

Mt. Wheeler

2010-08-09T15:50:00.000-07:00

School is back in session, which means I'm dreaming of all the things I did this summer and what I want to do next summer. For my grandpa Jack's 70th birthday a whole group comprised of his hunting buddies, children, grandchildren, and other folks drove the 5 hours from Cedar City, Utah up to Great Basin National Park in the middle of nowhere Nevada. The goal was to hike Mt. Wheeler, the second highest point in NV (Boundary Peak being first).

The hike was only about 8 miles round trip but we gained about 3,500 feet. Hard hike, though terrain, made worse by altitude and constant changing from cold to hot. Regardless, it's still a great experience.

Great picture (L to R) of Ed (Grandpa's friend), my dad, me, and my grandfather on the summit

Back To School Boots

2010-08-01T23:02:00.000-07:00

Headed back to school in a week or so. Looking for some nice/tough/stylish boots to wear (Too bad I'm not taking horticulture or landscaping class). Most of these are filed in the 'I wish...' category, but it's not hurting anyone's wallet just to look.

Quoddy Grizzly Boots
Quoddy Deck Chukka
Alden Indy Boot
Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot
Alden Aviator Boot
Red Wing Heritage Classic Lifestyle
Thorogood 8" Moc Toe

That Southern Heat

2010-07-31T16:38:00.000-07:00

Some pictures from a recent hike of the Tuxachanie Trail in De Soto National Forest. Lord was it hot.

(Good thing we didn't swim)

(Best friend, and the girlfriend)

Blitzen Trapper - Wild Mountain Nation

Favorite Shirt

2010-07-29T21:15:00.000-07:00

Mom's old concert shirt from back when she was my age. Very cool. All the no name opener bands have great names. The best part however is the "Official staff type person..."

Fleetwood Mac - Heart Beats Like A Hammer & Shake Your Money Maker

Look - Backyard Disc Golf

2010-07-21T22:28:00.000-07:00

I've really been on top of my disc golf game lately. The perfect summer sport for hanging with the bros.

Disc - Roc DX (Any mid-range disc will serve you well for honing your shots in the back yard)
Basket - Innova DISCatcher Mini (Perfect size, easily storable, and reasonably priced)
Bag - Innova Disc Golf Standard Bag (Or any old gym bag lying around)
Hat - Dodgers (Not doing so hot this season, maybe I'll have to start liking the locals)
Shirt - None
Belt - Bison Slider
Shorts - Patagonia Stand Up Shorts
Shoes - Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Love everything about these shoes)

Bruce Springsteen - Glory Days

PS. They're discs, not frisbees. Don't mix them up.

Notebooks

2010-07-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

A continuation of the last post, this one related to blank books.

O-Check Design Graphics has some great looking products and amazing photographs on their website,

I use this gorgeous little notebook as a trip journal. Can't wait to fill it up and order a new one. Buy here.

I also love the classic Canson 8 1/2" X 11" notebook. Buy Here.

The Duhks - Fast Paced World

Books

2010-07-17T17:54:00.000-07:00

All of these I'm currently reading or have read. Monkey Wrench Gang is my favorite out of the bunch so far.

Thrift Store Finds

2010-07-17T17:27:00.000-07:00

Thrifting is a wonderful act. There's always at least one thing I like in my usual haunts. These are some finds accumulated through the summer months.

A very nice Carhartt blanket lined chore jacket with matching hood attached. Must have been bought by someone, held in the closet for 20 years, then given to the trift, judging by the blanket lining in the sleeves. (Now they just use nylon, shame.)

Care tag sewn right on to the breast pocket.

Basic chambray shirt, I especially like the pocket details.

...And the coup de grace. A slim fitting navy and white whipcord suit from express, absolutely perfect for summer with a navy or red bowtie.

A closer view of the material.

John Buchan

2010-07-05T23:12:00.005-07:00

John Buchan, 1st Baron Tweedsmuir was a Scottish novelist and Unionist politician who served as Governor General of Canada, the 15th since that country's confederation. -Wikipedia

John Buchan is a real hero of mine. From his writing to his dandy style, there is a whole lot to love about the First Baron Tweedsmuir (Including the title). I have a collection of the first 4 adventures of Richard Hannay, the Scottish soldier turned spy, all compiled into one volume.

The Thirty Nine Steps is by far my favorite. All the books are great but nothing beats the original. I also quite like the modern cover redesigns posted here.

Dream Machine

2010-07-04T23:23:00.001-07:00

I spotted this amazing truck on my recent trip to Great Basin National Park. I would trade anything for it. It could have no engine and I would be happy with it to just sit in my drive way and look damn good. The color, the style, the little dings and rust spots, all conspire to make an irresistible melding of machine, art, and antique.

It kind of remind's me of Ed Abbey's. Different brand, but the same rugged soul.

One last picture with the junior rangers

My Rad Dad and The Fishing Rodeo

2010-07-04T00:17:00.001-07:00

A little late for father's day, but oh well.

My dad, an avid fisherman, has been waking my two sisters and I up at the crack of dawn to fish with him ever since we can remember. Usually our response is to pull the covers over our heads, but we would begrudgingly give in on special occasions like fathers day, his birthday, and, of course, the Fourth of July Fishing Rodeo. Every year in our home town of Bay Saint Louis Mississippi, a 14 and under fishing tournament is hosted by the local Yacht Club. Starting at 6 am over zealous dads and their bleary eyed children file in and stake out their spots on jetties, piers, and docks, hoping to win the prize for biggest fish of the day.
As we arrived at our spot, toting our poles and a cooler (Full of drinks for kids, and for adults) the sun was just extending its first rays over the horizon. After a half hour I reeled in my first catch, a catfish, to put us in first place. The day progressed with fish caught, lines tangled, and the patience of children and fathers tested. While I was taking one of my many breaks my dad felt a bite on his line. He called me over, stuck the pole in my hand, and grabbed the net, ready to pull in a big one. Twenty minutes later and I was ready to give up and let this one go, but my dad wouldn’t have it. I pulled and I fought against the monstrous fish, all the while encouraged by my dad.
Finally after nearly an hour spent desperately trying to catch the fish my dad reached down and netted the red fish, almost as big as me. He unhooked it from the line and sent me off to the weigh master to see just how big it was. I returned triumphantly with the news. “It’s the biggest so far” I shouted. Forgetting my anger at the early morning’s wake up, the hot sun, and the endless fight to reel in the monster of a fish I had caught, all I thought of was how proud and happy the look on my dad’s face was. Through his persistent ‘Coaching’ I won the tournament twice, and loved every minute of it.

Junior Brown - Surf Medley
All he ever plays on guitar

Absence

2010-07-03T23:12:00.001-07:00

I've spent the past 10 days on a family vacation, camping, hiking, and lots of driving out west. Got plenty of posts on the way!

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Lookin Out My Backdoor

The Name, Part 2

2010-06-24T20:22:00.001-07:00

Continuing the story of how I got the name of this blog - Part 1 here

As our tight knit class of 20 some odd 5th graders practically ran up the trail, there was one thing on every child's mind. Not the scenery, not the wildlife, not the blisters developing on our heels, but finding that perfect hiking stick. Classes before us had brought back impressive lengths of wood, selected, carved, and cherished by each individual. We were determined to find bigger and badder sticks to brag about.

On those first few miles more time was spent combing the brush for felled limbs than was spent hiking on the trial. I was determined to find the best of the best, to find one that fit perfectly in my hand, to make it mine through the miles before us. On this day I failed. I came up with only an enormous Y shaped limb, taller than me by two feet, and thicker than my leg.

After the Hike concluded, and long after ditching the tree trunk I had lugged for quite a while, we stopped by a general store along the trail. The Walasi-yi Center was packed with everything expected of an AT store. Boots, packs, first aid kits, and even stuffed animals distracted us from our aching feet. While we searched every nook and cranny for something good in our $5 price range, the smell of fresh leather and the cool rain from outside filled our nostrils, the smells still bring back the most vivid of memories today.

The Walasi-yi Center*

We retreated victoriously to our cabins, admiring our new scars and purchases with the same appreciation, we felt accomplished, ready for dinner, a shower, and a good night's sleep. Tomorrow would be the tougher of two days, with Blood Mountain rivaling Denali and Everest in our 12 year old eyes.

*Photo by David_Lee_Muse

Music

2010-06-23T21:58:00.000-07:00

Let's have some music. As I mentioned I live in south MS and play Mandolin and Guitar in a Folk Rock band. Porch music (Me on the left)

Here's some of my favorites (With or without youtube to accompany)

The Allman Brothers Band - Ramblin' Man
The Avett Brothers - Laundry Room (Great video all around)
The Decemberists - Sons And Daughters
Fleet Foxes - Sun It Rises
Grateful Dead - Truckin'
My Morning Jacket - Golden
Old Crow Medicine Show - I Hear Them All
Phosphorescent - Wolves
The Tallest Man On Earth - The Gardener
Townes Van Zandt - Dead Flowers

That should get the jams out of my system for now.

Footwear

2010-05-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

I like shoes. There's a certain elegance to a piece of clothing with definitive shape. These are the ones I wear on a daily basis.

Tobacco colored wingtips bought at a flea market on our family trip to Rome. The insole says "Mauro P" but I haven't found any information on the brand.

These are my horseback riding boots. Rubber 'Jumper' boots made my Aigle of France. Very well made, warm, waterproof, and good looking if I may say so myself. (Giuseppe thinks his boots are hard to fit into outfits?)

Well worn in Tom's. These will be my staple for the next 4 months until it gets cooler outside.

And of course Hiking boots. These Columbia's are very comfy and breathable, just a tad heavy.

AT Book

2010-05-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

As a class project our 5th grade class made a book about the AT before we went. These are some pictures of my favorite pages as well as the ones I made.

The Name, Part 1

2010-05-26T12:49:00.000-07:00

I got the name of this blog form my trail name 'The Old Man of Blood Mountain'. Story to follow.

In the spring of my 5th grade year our class took a three day hiking trip to the Appalachian Trail. We drove for a solid day (Mississippi Gulf Coast to northeast Georgia) while I listened to CD's, slept, and bored my friend Gabe to death. Once we finally got to our cabins, close to the start of the trail at Springer Mt. the class of 20 boys and girls ran amuck over the campgrounds and surrounding woods. Climbing stones, trees and anything that was slow enough to hang on to.

After our first night full of ghost stories and smores, we set off on our first hike from Woody Gap to Jarrad Gap. All outfitted with cheep hiking boots, leaky rain shells, and an abundance of energy. We got into the vans and pressed our faces against the glass trying to get a glimpse of the bears the class before us told us horror stories about.

As we reached the trail head the teachers and parents tried desperately to keep us corralled long enough to count heads and split us into groups. I set off down the trail just behind my dad, already setting myself a blazing pace that only an 11 year old would dream to follow.

Story to be continued in Part 2