Making your first “cowl”
The term “cowl” is not so largely used as the term “infinity scarf.” When people ask me “Jasper, what are you making?” and I respond “a cowl” they wonder all the more. Have I missed all of the fashion forward memos? Ah well. If you want to know how to make your own cowl, follow these instructions! It’s so easy 
Number one: begin casting-on 30 to 40 basic knit rows…
How to make your own at-home comedy
For those of you who need a recipe for laughter and family time that will give you a smile you can keep, look no further. Here at crunchy little bites, you’ll find a tutorial for a making your own comedic video short. Here’s our final product:
Follow these instructions to create your own!
To begin, grab your video-recording device (i.e. your dslr camera with video capabilities, iPhone, iTouch, iPad) and set up a pleasantly simple frame.
Like so: 
Next, you must chose your plot, characters and crew. Then sketch out a rough screenplay and go to work! (more…)
Shabby chic is no faux pa
That’s right, the title says it all. Actually, I’m not even sure what I am getting at with the title but when blogging I try and let my stream of conscious run wild. In this way, I do not feel obligate to edit before publishing. Congrats, you’re reading garbage!
find that old “shouldn’t” post
I do not own my own computer. When accessing the internet I use one of the three technologies: public library dell, iPhone or work PC. I used to write on a lil’ macbook but then I sold it so that I could pay one month’s rent back in 2010. Here’s my crazy Jewish family all enjoying our time playing with PhotoBooth on my old mac.
People say we seem “very Jewish.” and I am always positive that I do not know what they mean 
.
I promise you I will post some photos of what I’ve been doing in school. Right now, however, I am attempting to keep my head above water with school projects. In fact, after I publish this wee little bean of a post, I’m headed back for the dark room to do some enlarging and printing
Wow, I am loving all of these cool firework photos that I forgot existed.
Until I am back for another go at the blogging, keep it real everyone!
xoxo,
style in a fancy bargain bin
Still, I wonder where the title for my posts originate but I’m going with it. In the corners of my mind, the silly ideas float around and I just pluck them from that aquarium of brain and post them here. This morning I am watching “You’ve Got Mail” as I write emails and draft contracts, rough work and proposals. The movie, You’ve Got Mail, is my favorite of all the little movies in the world. I can quote, nearly the entire movie. It’s charming, so charming.
And, almost, I forgot that I took this photograph while visiting Boston in August this year. All of the photos that I took during my visit with the Ballhaussens are quietly perched in my “Picture” files and I’ve shared none with you. As if you’d have to ask — I can upload some and blog about them later. Who knows? You may even get a VLOG…… (more…)
my toenail fell off!
Really, the title for this blog post was intended to drive unwilling readers to another, otherwise, boring blaze post! No soup for you
A brief hiatus
How is everyone out there? Go ahead, let me know how you’re feeling. Just let it all out. No one’s judging.
Hey –randomness–check it: 
(more…)
nutty thursday
It’s been quite some time, now, that I’ve submitted a blogpost. But I’ll tell you one thing: Living life in the for-realsies beats blogworld any day. Sorry folks. Now that I’m back to having no life, I thought I could blog. Nah, I’m just teasing y’all. Here are a few updates: My new favorite word is lighttight. How cool is that one? And I wanted to post a few photos from back in the day that I’ve, since, forgotten…until now, that is. some of you have seen them, some of you not but enjoy, nonetheless. I will attempt to include some appropriate captions with each.
She used to be: “Lizzie Read” but now she’s the “Mrs and Mrs. David and Alexandra Wise,” you go Glen Coco. (more…)
Want to be the best? I know you do…let me tell you a little something
You are a few steps away from creating finely composed photograph.
“But I am only an amateur…” you say?
“Me too!” says me.
Take a deep breath. Here you go…
Step one: Observe to your surrounds everywhere you go. That’s right, you heard me: everywhere you go. Your heightened awareness of social, physical and theatrical context will automatically improve your ability to capture photographic moments with style. My statements may not make the most sense at face value but just apply my basic suggestions and find yourself experiencing your surroundings with a profoundly more insightful attitude. Invest close attention to your surroundings. It pays off. (more…)
5 things that you did not know about me…
Five things you didn’t know about me. Five things I’ve never told you…
Technically unspectacular
In a perfect world, I would use a medium format camera for shooting and processing my own black and white photos. Alas, I am here on earth. That’s right, I work a forty-hour work week and have little time to snap digital photos, let alone buy and develop film in a lab. So for those of you who lack the time and resources to support romantic photography practices of yore, I give you: “Black and White tips, the {Un}edition”
On taking a step back with your craft
Have you gotten excited about the “awesome photos” you will take with your dSLR camera only to experience heartbreak when the images on the screen dissapoint your expectations?
Try these tips and see if your attitude doesn’t change for the merrier: (more…)
your carrots
Some of you may not think me capable of sticking with a goal. Or am I the only one? For today, I defy you {or just me} and present this:
Preface to “Jasper’s Journey”
**Disclaimer: I am not a Registered Dietician, Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Licensed Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Christian Counselor, Professional Photographer nor do I claim to be any of the above listed. The following expressed opinions belong, solely, to the opinions of those sharing them. That’d be be. After all, this is my “about” page. I dare say you should read on.
This is me. Wait wait, don’t be mistaken, I’ll specify which one of these ladies is “me.” This is me to the right of that beautifully blushing bride. 
I was trying but failing to hold back tears as we prayed for her before she walked down her wedding aisle. This is just one part of my story, of course, but you might be interested to find out where I “was” mentally, physically and emotionally during this part of my story. I was in a bad place. Still, my heart sinks when I remember how my sickness isolated me from, even the happiest, warmest, fondest, most lovely, surroundings. Obsession with self can do that. And if you know what I am talking about, you’ll agree that it’s a sad reality: the pain of “missing out” on life’s simple pleasures and happenings. Am I being too vague? My apologies…
Here’s me as a little whipper-snapper. I was peppy. And then I developed this disordered eating behavior. “Disordered eating” has more to do with “eating-disordered behaviors (i.e. magical thinking, mind-reading, low self-esteem, negative self-worth, negative automatic thoughts, self-hatred, etc.)” than it does with food. Sure, on the outside you see me: someone who has gained and lost 60 pounds, up and down, three times now — and is still experiencing ups and downs but the physical manifestations of my **sickness are just the tip of the iceberg. By the grace of a loving God, I am getting the professional help that my depraved condition requires. More than some of you are praising God that I am getting “professional help” today {insert cymbal clap here}.
One piece of hope for which I attribute a tremendous amount of growth in my recovery is this: “I was not born with bulimia.” Because so much of how I view “my identity” seems inseparable from my disordered-eating behavior, it is vital that I trust the valor of this message: that God created me {eating-disorder free} just because He loves us and that we are NEVER forgotten by Him AND that we are dearly cared for by Him {please excuse my use of passive voice}
Umm, here’s me being my usual, loud, mildly-crazy, definitely quirky, fun self. Sorry for including this embarrassing photo, Bria.
Perhaps I can commit to updating this “about” page with other interesting tid bits and bites from “my story.” But for now I will leave you with a few other clips from my interests: portraiture. **above wedding photos courtesy of Sarah Rominger Photography.
do the “do”
Have you ever seen someone bunch their hair up in the cutest bun and wonder how they sculpted it so effortlessly? Well, I have attempted to capture this phenomenon on camera. My fantastically talented, remarkably enjoyable and kind friend helped me recreate one of those simple ballerina buns, perfect for any afternoon excursion or casual outing.
Use the fun little “do” for all of your fun weekend plans!
Photos on this post were shot with a Nikon D60 dSLR camera 55-200mm kit lens.
wanderlust
That’s one of my favorite words. Wanderlust. Mostly, I appreciate it when it’s used in its proper context. But it stands just fine on its own I think. I find it fascinating how words can have such meaning to someone. {No lame pun intended, there} This word “wanderlust” inspires my dreams and, simultaneously, encompasses all of my greatest fears and “unknowns.” I want to wander but I am afraid to leave the “familiar.” My hope is to sail solo across the pacific but I’ve never sailed.
Is it true that sometimes you just have to take the leap?
happy birthday little lady!
May 26th is her official birthday but her mama decided to throw an early shindig.
I think it’s safe to say the this little gal turned-three had a WONDERFUL time at her party! More details to come soon…
Day 1,783
After our family’s trip, last month, to the Outerbanks, I decided to take be more proactive in taking practical steps toward my future. At Kitty Hawk National Monument, there are exhibits where we saw journals of the Wright brothers’ time leading up to the time of their first flights. Reading their journals inspired me to put some of my dreams into writing. “Day 1,783″ marks the commence of my log. No, this is not a stardated log for those of you Trekkies out there. This is also not your average captain’s log. In fact, this log marks the beginning of a countdown. A reverse-ordered chronicle that ends with a beginning. That’s right, you heard me. This idea has simmering for a while and it’s time that I come out with it. There are 1,783 days until March 31, 2017. (more…)
“Anny Am”
This morning I passed a sign in the office’s break room that advertised “Aunty Em’s Donuts.” The flyer described cookies, cakes, donuts and other sweet confections available at a local bakery. Suddenly I was taken back to my days of Saturday-morning-anticipation for watching our family’s VHS recording of “the Wizard of Oz.” My mom always liked to tape the television-aired movies with no commercials but sometimes we’d forget to press “Record” at the end of a commercial. In the case of this copy of “The Wizard of Oz,” we missed the first, very important I might add, couple seconds of the poppy fields scene. Oh well. I promise you, there’s a point to this story. “Aunty Em’s” bakery sign reminded me that I always used to find my six-year-old-self repeating Dorothy’s cried for “Aunty Em, Aunty Em.” I was not a ham at all, mind you. But I always use to re-enact the scene, jetting frantically around the back yard with bonnet clutched worriedly around my ears, yelling “ANNY AM, ANNY AM!?!?!” That’s what I thought Dorothy was saying. It was not until 10 years later in my life when I heard people referring to family members or respected elders as “Aunty.” Perhaps it’s more “American” than I might have suspected but I’d never heard the term until I met Brits. Backwoods Oklahoma Kansas is about as American as anywhere can get, right?
Boy, do I love the mountains!
Here are a few reasons why I love accepting my aunt invitations to the mountain house:
1. family love.
2. long walks.
3. homemade cinnamon rolls. uh, yum.
4. kite flying.
5. croquet playing. who doesn’t lock cracking mallets?
6. countryside soaking.
7. pretty allergens.
8. do you really need an eighth reason?
9. Did I mention I’ll be making homemade cinnamon rolls? Stay tuned for a recipe y’all…
Where’s one of YOUR favorite spots to “get away” to?
CGS Youth camping trip to Hanging Rock State Park
These guys contemplated “toss the hot coal.” Progression from thought to action went something like this: “Should we play toss the hot coal, Nick?” Nick: “No way, that’s too dangerous!…Well, as long as we are very careful and just hit the fiery hot coal with the tippy-tip of our fingers.” Fiery hot coal toss begin! {Who tossed that perfectly descent poptart into the fire?!}
**Warning** : This is a photo-heavy post.
Some of these photos should be captioned: “Just don’t ask.”
The youth group walks. The youth group talks. The youth group poses for photos with class, style and swagger. Don’t make us say it twice: “We love our camping story-go-round-the-fire-time like a love song.” The weekend was full of smiles, sleeping bags and hot cocoa filled Styrofoam cups bummed off of the neighbors.
There may have been poptarts roasted over the fire, as well.
This lady may not have fallen into the water…
While one of these ladies **I’ll let you take a stab at who lost her footing and took an accidental soaking** may have fallen into the water.
Is that the elder wand?
Hanging Rock State park may never be the same now that CGS has trekked it’s everlasting and rugged depths. Oh yes we did and none-the-worse-for wear are we.
Here we are, pre-40-mile-trek-stretch.* Hamstrings first, people!
It takes heart to accomplish days so chock-full of adventure, obstacle and challenge.* Is someone thinking we still don’t know who’s to blame for the cocoa shortage? Think again!
And it takes lots and lots of sugary foods to provide sustenance for these warriors.*
For one reason or another, CGS really really takes to scraggly-mangy-stray-campground-mutts. Because this poor Rhodesian-ridge back-mix, pledged to be seeking asylum in the quiet backwoods of North Carolina, was, nearly, the highlight of our time camping.
Much to his relief, attention turned back to roasting random items over the our sketchy, pamphlet-kindled campfire. All was well for Pooch, one again.
These ladies were delighted with themselves and their fire-searing banana trick. Needless to say, hot bananas are the new pancake.*
Nick may have contemplated new career options like dermatology*…Teresa learned more about smiling…and, well, Jasper was fixated on her fascination with pyrotechnics. Some people never change.
Some of our youth are currently studying to be free-lance tree climbers while others turn their focus toward meteorology and still-life photography.
Did you have a great time or what?! Again, if anyone was not aware that, primarily, one man was responsible for consuming 98% of the morning’s hot beverage rations, this photo stand to prove so.
Good times were had by all. Especially those of us who made it up the fire tower hike for a gorgeous sunset.
Not to worry parents, everyone stayed far away from the edge.
*No children, bananas, warts, animals, vegetables or minerals were harmed in the making of this article.
