Sambo Mockbee - Citizen Architect

'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

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'

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

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

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

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

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