it was a rough century
Last night waiting on election returns sort of felt like a century.) (Until all of a sudden it didn’t…)
But that’s not what this post is about. This is about the fact that Route 66 is a hundred years old. And the fact that, in spite of parts of it* that were fancied up for the centennial, most of it is kitschy AF.
Oh, and also: if you’re in Edmond, Oklahoma, tomorrow night, be sure and stop by the Edmond Fine Arts Institute for the opening reception of The Other Side Project: A Photographic Road Trip through America’s Heart, featuring the work of the work of my collaborator VC Torneden and myself. We’ll be there from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and would love to see you. But be warned: we’ve been working together on this project for five years and have about a millions stories that we like to share. Wear comfortable shoes.
Edmond Fine Arts Institute is located at 27 E. Edwards Street. The show is presented by BancFirst. Thanks to both for their support of our project.
Route 66
McLean, Texas
photographed 7.27.2026
*The parts that were fancied up were sort of nice to begin with.
this better work
Today is Election Day.
Lubbock is often described as “ruby red” but maybe that’s changing. And let’s hope this election goes the way it needs to.
at James Talarico’s “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts” campaign event
Lubbock, Texas
photographed 10.27.2026
meanwhile, over on East 4th Street…
Last week I stood in line for a two or three hours to get in a rally with James Talarico and other candidates. It was worth it.
Last week I stood inside a crowded building for two hours to hear James Talarico and other candidates tell us about their visions for the state and the country. It was worth it.
Tomorrow is election day.
Lubbock, Texas
photographed 10.27.2026
eastern influences
Sometimes I like to shoot with a really wide lens because it makes things look weird in a way that I enjoy. In this case, it made that striped area of the parking lot like about a mile wide.
Also, I have lived in Lubbock for a lot of years (never you mind exactly how many!) but somehow I never noticed the fancy entry canopy at this business. I like it, as Asian-themed architecture is not really a common thing out here in West Texas. If you can imagine!
And on the topic of architectural forensics (a topic I just now made up), check out the brick on the far right: it doesn’t quite match the rest of the building. But they gave it a hell of a try when, for reasons lost to time*, they decided to fill in an opening.
Lubbock, Texas
photographed 10.3.2026
*”Lost to time”? Why in the world would I say something as dumb as that?
select all squares containing an airplane
As you may have figured out, I crack myself up on a pretty regular basis.
This scene makes me think of those CAPTCHA things where you have to select all the squares with an airplane in them.
There. My work is done for today: I’ve planted that idea in YOUR head now. You’re welcome.
San Antonio International Airport
San Antonio, Texas
photographed 10.10.2026
