Jan
21
21
Knick Knacks and Such
posted in Uncategorized
welcome to my new blogsite!
Hi! I am Jules Wiegand. I love Jesus and Photography (in that order:). Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoy browsing through my life and photography. I live in Louisville, but i would love to do your destination wedding or event or mission trip.. so, please fly me somewhere!
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Defined as something unusual — perhaps worthy of collecting. Over the holidays, i got rather caught up in Knick Knacks and such. But i have never been a girl who buys knick knacks.. the closest i have come is a candle. I go to the store.. i see these cute things.. but then i think.. it serves no purpose.. it has no function other than to sit there. So, i walk away.. with no knick and no knack. I think i have just always been a little more frugal with my money.. only buying what you need or what is functional. Sooo.. I’m thinking this year.. i might just have to purchase a knick or a knack to put around the my Louisville home. And i will just enjoy as it was intended .. to just look at and like it. They also seem to warm up a home too. Sooo.. i took a few photos of some around my Mom’s house.
i mean, it’s hard not to like Christmas Knick Knacks!!
How cute are these penguins :)
24 votes // vote as favoriteHa. So, this year.. i am going to try and make a frivolous purchase. One that serves no purpose or function. Who am i kidding.. i can’t do it! But i want to :) soon.
What is it about us – something deep inside that desires to be a hero. We want to be heroic! We love the hero/heroin when they save the day. Even as a child this was in my mind as i sported around the house in my ‘wonder woman‘ underoos – using cups as arm bands — i had all types of scenarios where i saved the day. I wanted to do something great!!
i think we all still have that longing inside.. to do something great. Even in my spiritual walk – i have wanted to lay it all down for Christ. I wanted to do something great or just to be great. I still do – i often get caught up in a noble purpose and want to dive in and do great things or to be a hero.
I would have loved to go to Haiti.. to jump into the rubble to search, to hold people who are hurting, to help… why? I love people and i am moved with compassion and that causes me to act. But honestly.. i don’t have the skills.. i only have the love. i don’t necessarily think this is a bad thought to want to do great things and be great… but i think God is changing my perspective here some and my idea on what is great.
Micah 6:6-7
With what shall I come before the LORD
and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
Even if I have great things.. great sacrifices… will the Lord be pleased? What shall I give? For whatever i have, it is not great enough. The Lord is teaching this little photographer much in this passage. It can be applied to so much in my life.
I have been blessed with some good skills ( numchuck skills :) haha.. i mean just in general .. i can do a lot out of my own power. So.. this isn’t always a good thing.. as i perhaps lean on my own abilities too much.
Hmmm.. i am realizing more and more that I can’t do it – I can’t be great on my own. I don’t have the strength. I don’t have the ability. I don’t have the resources to earn favor. I have grown weary with effort to earn or to make something work. One my friend’s told me once – ( after i said, i don’t think i can do relationships.. they are hard.) She said.. “exactly, none of us can.. that’s exactly where you need to be”
John Piper uses this illustration in Future Grace (one of my most favorite books) .
Some hunters use a nut in a jar to capture Monkeys. The monkey seeing the nut will reach inside the jar to grab the nut, but the since the hole isn’t very large, the monkey gets stuck and the hunter can get the monkey. The Monkey will hold on to the nut… gripping it, all of it’s efforts focused on that one thing… and cannot even think to let it go. Because of that, the monkey loses his freedom. He doesn’t get what he desires and is captive to holding onto or striving for something he can’t get. What is it.. just a little nut .. he loses his life striving after a nut (not gonna lie.. i kinda wanna break out into a CC Music Factory Song right now) “It’s your world, and i’m just a squirrel trying to get a nut” HaHa.. do you know that song…
anywayssssss
What shall i give… i cannot give except that which has been given.
vs. 8
He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
walking humbly with God. I am not great .. he is. The only way i can be great is with Him. I let go of striving.. trying to get what i can’t get on my own… and i simply walk with God. Humbly… loving his mercy and doing the right thing. That is all we are asked .. this is what is GREAT.
I let go of the nut – i stop striving for what cannot be gotten. I give up.. actually. And i walk in glorious freedom humbly with my God. Whatever that looks like.. whatever it means.
REST in his gift.. you can only give what has been given.
What shall i give…
I decided to put myself out there to try and meet someone. You see i have people all around me getting engaged plus – I am a wedding photographer….I’M SURROUNDED BY LOVE!!!!! – and i give up :) My desire to get married is intensified by all these influences. So, this year – “2010″ – i thought i would do more to increase my chances of meeting a guy that would might just curl my toes and make me swoon :) I wanna SWOON!!!!
So- here is the plan for now. I am getting on eharmony. I thought you all might be able to help me through this process. I mean – i tend to rule guys out too soon sometimes – plus sometimes this process is long and hard.. you know, finding a guy, developing a relationship. I tend to get discouraged sometimes in this area of my life. So, i am inviting you all along for the ride.
I put a few pics up on my profile- I thought these were good starters. What do you think?
5 votes // vote as favoriteI am allowed to add about 10 more. If you have any suggestions – please let me know. You can check my facebook pics or anything on my website and just leave me message on the pic and say “this one :)” and i will know what you mean. ha!!
After erasing about 25 matches so far…. only two looked promising. Both love the Lord.. but one is huge fan of Joyce Meyers which is fine as long as he doesn’t continually quote her or have posters of her. haha. There is always a risk with online dating. i almost put their pics on here … but i chickened out :)
So… now i am a robot!! You would think with all of our cutting edge technology that we could make something a little cuter and a whole lot less cumbersome!! Luckily – i became a robot right before Halloween so it could blend in as a costume. See how i blended in :) yeah, ok… i am fooling myself!!!
Anyways… so now i just needed to heal for the next 6weeks as a “robot” I had to cut up some shirts, in fact the one i have on.. one of the sleeves were cut out so that it could fit over the obnoxious metal atrocity on my left arm!! It’s hard to have one sleeve during the winter!! During the last two weeks of being in the brace, i was permitted to carefully take it off to take showers more easily and to put on some long sleeve shirts.
During these last weeks… i also needed to find a car. i really wanted a Rav4 with a sunroof and roof rack.. you know, the important things :) So i set out to find one… one problem, i only like a few models – the 2001,02 and 2005. Yeah.. ha. After searching the internet .. i found one at a dealer. It was cute!! Just what i wanted except for no sunroof/ roof rack. I took it for a test drive and planned on coming back the next day to make an offer. As i was leaving, this guy texted me to see what i was doing. I had just met him the week before and he was a mechanic and told me if i needed any help with the car search to let him know. (But since i just met him.. i wasn’t going to ask him – i mean that seemed awkward) But once he found out where i was.. he offered to check out the car. I, of course, accepted.
my little white Rav passed the first inspection, but my friend was a little skeptical about the dealer and said that the transmission fluid was black… He decided to talk to the dealer and see if he could get the price down low. I don’t know why.. but that dealer and him did not like each other. The dealer refused to come down on price. I was very disappointed :( I kinda thought in my head .. i will come back in a few days and talk to him myself.. since this was most likely just egos at work. But before i could go back, my friend found at more information and we both realized that the transmission was bad. WOW. Tell me that God isn’t looking out for me… this was unreal. I was ready to buy that car.
The good news is that a few days later, i found one with everything i wanted and it cost $2,000 cheaper!! Here it is with a little snow on it
5 votes // vote as favoriteI definitely seen God’s presence and care for me during this whole season. I have learned lots about limitations, God’s providence and sovereignty over my life, how much i am loved and cared for, learned to ask for help more (that’s one that is still hard), and I learned to slow down and to value and spend time with ppl. I did a lot of coffee and lunch dates that i normally don’t have time to do. I also learned that i love to cook and cook for people. It’s been a sweet time tho so difficult. It the midst of this, God saw it fit to test some relationships, reveal some sin and to allow me to set some boundaries that were absolutely necessary. I have learned to love people and die to self for the sake of someone else. I have learned to let go and just release -entrusting relationships to the Lord. So, yes a painful season but necessary one. I’m thankful for it.
I still have a more recovery. I am currently working on range of motion for my arm. The doctor told me that if i only had this much range that would be excellent results.
7 votes // vote as favoritebut i had this much range
11 votes // vote as favoriteMy doctor was so excited he took pictures and had other doctors come in to witness. Im sure lots of people would give all credit to my doctor.. i mean, he is an excellent doctor. I am so glad he took the risk to put every piece back together rather than just putting in a prostetic bone.
But if you consider… that i wasn’t with that Doctor!! i had another doctor but it just so happened that there was a dispute between the insurance and those associated with Norton Healthcare. And why this doctor, i mean there are lots of doctors in this office. But, i got him because he could see me soonest.
I am sure, you could find lots of reasons to explain away many of the things that had to fall in line for things to work the way they did. I’m sure you could. or … You could fall on your knees and give thanks for a God that just blew me away with how all worked together for good. I chose the latter. Amen and Amen
I have never been more frustrated with insurance and hospitals in my life. I got a call two days after seeing the orthopedic surgeon that Norton recommended -only for them to say “we don’t take your insurance, would you like to self-pay?” Seriously – ha. NO- i don’t want to self-pay!! I wonder why they didn’t tell me that to begin with???!! Anyways – my elbow has already been broken for five days now.. and i needed to get surgery asap. I begun calling.. and most ppl did not take my insurance because of the dispute. And if they did, they wouldn’t take people in car accidents. Unfortunately i needed a specialist so pickings were slim. I was getting a little discouraged and being in pain didn’t help :(. I asked my mom to help because i was just overwhelmed. She called back a few hours later to give me a number… I called – it ended up being the number one specialist in the area who was able to take me right away!! When i walked in — i didn’t wait at all. There were nurses and others attending me immediately. Then the doctor came with about 4 other doctors following him and hanging on his every word. I felt pretty good about seeing him. Shortly after the visit – the other doctor from Norton called to say they had settled their dispute and could take me. I, of course, said NO!!
God was definitely working things for my good – his hand was all over this. I soon saw why!!!
My elbow was not broken once – but 6-8 breaks. In cases like that – most doctors put in a prostetic bone- which means bone replacement every 15 some years. My doctor with no guarantee that this would work… decided to take the risk and put every piece back together – 5 hours of surgery!! Yep. The other doctor would not have done that. Thanks Lord.
i was in a huge cast for a few weeks…. my mom took these pics // a little blurry.
2 votes // vote as favoriteHope you don’t get squeamish.. if you do, you may not want to see this next pic.
5 votes // vote as favoriteSoon.. i would become a robot!! Stay posted :)
Thought you may want to know the journey from my car accident to healing. Here it is uncut :) This first part is just about the accident in louisville.
On Oct. 12, my bff and myself decided to start P90x for a second round. We measured, we took pictures… we were set. The next day, Tues the 13th, right after work (1pm)… i hurried home to meet my friend to start the workout. As i came around a turn, there was a car stopped in front of me- i had about 3-4 car lengths which is plenty of time to stop but when i went to hit my brake – i instead hit the gas and couldn’t stop in time. I did manage to avoid her but ended up in a ditch on the side of the road. I was in complete control until i hit the ditch and the airbags deployed. It felt like someone punched me in the face and just beat me up. So much so that i was disoriented when it deflated. I really thought trees had come into the window.. but the glass wasn’t even broken. There was smoke all around – so i turned off the car.. it turned out to be the powder from the air bags. At first – I thought i am all alone :( how will i get help. I was shaking so bad and started crying. I had never been in accident before and i hurt all over. i went to open my door but i couldn’t because my arm hurt so bad … i couldn’t even move it. My first thought was to call my bff and tell her… i was going to be late for our workout. I did – but i was unsure of what to do next.
At that point i looked to the road and saw a lady on the phone.. she obviously was calling about me. she tapped on my window and said… “just be still” – I motioned for her to open the door because of the smoke. She did. Her presence calmed me and she explained what would happen next. I was very thankful for her being there.. she was very motherly and so kind to me.
Shortly – the police and EMTs arrived. The policeman asked about my information. But i was still disoriented so i said the airbag blew it out. Haha.. i think i was thinking the airbag was in the glove box. Then the EMTs who always come to STarbucks said ” Hey this is a starbucks girl!!” They took good care of me.
As they carried me on a stretcher into the ambulance, i was getting asked lots of questions by everyone. I heard a guy say behind me “are you single?” I asked if he was hitting on me. Everyone laughed :) Then he said, “i swear the police officer is wanting to know this, but can i get your digits.” To which everyone laughed again. ( i always try to make tense situation light through humor- so i would continue to do that to the hospital)
My bff showed up at the hospital to be there with me. I was a little concerned that she may be worried.. so i tried to keep it light. I really thought that i just had some bruises and that soon they would send me on my way. But at the hospital, i discovered that my elbow was broken. They set it in a half cast until i could see an orthopedic surgeon and then i was sent on my way.
I had lots of trouble walking because my knees had slammed into the dash… so with my friend laughing at my hobbled walk.. i eventually made it to the car. I ended up having to wear the hospital gown home because they couldn’t get my clothes back on over my cast.
We got the pain killers and my friends told me i was not allowed to lead bible study… which i was sad about because the lesson was done and it was good. So.. i got to teach the nurses some :)
Then my bff and I went looking for my car… i didn’t want to pay for another day in compound lot.. so we went to check it out. And can you believe, my friend wouldn’t help me change into normal clothes and made me go out in the hospital gown.
ha. The rest is to be continued :)
Since my arm is in a sling while i recover from elbow surgery, I had to use wheelchair assistance on my first trip to Eden Prairie, Minnesota to see my best friend and her beautiful family. As they rolled me around in the airport- i was deeply humbled to need assistance and for such kind people to be willing to give it. I definitely stuck out in a crowd – ha, it was embarrassing to have everyone look at me and to get the full pat down from security. But the good part (aside from building empathy for those who need that assistance daily), was that i had an excellent seat on the plane. SWEET!!! and everyone helped me with my stuff… i didn’t even have to try and find bathrooms or the luggage pickup – I was just taken there ;)
When i landed in Minnesota, my beautiful friend came bounding in ready to serve and help me. And serve, she did!! Her love for me overwhelms me – she served me joyfully and thoughtfully all week. One day when she was doting on me, i just teared up in saying thanks for helping – she held me and said “I love you, it’s a joy to serve you and love you.” God is good, you all!! – she is definitely an example of God’s grace to me – I pray that you have that in your life and can be that in someone else’s. Here is a photo of my gorgeous friend working it on the trail – from the family photography session that you will see in a post coming soon.
My friend is known for her written and detailed schedules… i have teased her quite a few times on the matter – especially if she forgot something crucial like writing down to feed the children or when she had oddities such as set baby by the window for an hour. HaHa! (she wanted her kids to be able to peer out on God’s creation- good reason – funny methods – love her!!!) A few days before i arrived – i received my itinerary. I’m still kind of upset that i didn’t get my fruit smoothie on Thursday afternoon as was spelled out in the schedule :) – but i guess i will give grace!! We did have lots of delicious coffee tho!! We went to this adorable little coffee shop in Eden Prairie where i am sure if i lived there- i would go study there- cute with lots of history. The Dunn Bros Coffee Shop is in the historic Smith Douglas More house which started as a community gathering place in Eden Prairie in 1877 and continues as a coffee shop. I just thought it was cute :) – so i had to get some photos. I took this of my coffee and added some texture.
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39 votes // vote as favoriteWriting on the wall from 1877 and i just loved the leaves on this antique table
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39 votes // vote as favoritesuch a quaint little coffee shop in Eden Prarie -you should visit.
36 votes // vote as favoriteone last one of my friend deep in discussion about theological matters whilst i played with my camera – don’t ya know!!
46 votes // vote as favoriteMore photography from the Minnesota adventure coming soon :)
Halloween isn’t really one of my favorites – but this year – i really got into it. i borrowed some decorations from my friends at Ryland and my roomies and I really got into the decorating!!! Try not to get scared!
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29 votes // vote as favoriteand we of course had some tasty treats. Finger food for example
39 votes // vote as favoritecaramel apples
36 votes // vote as favoriteand some tasty green punch with blueberries (er.. i mean eyeballs) And we served it in this spooky goblet.
35 votes // vote as favoritewe had so much fun giving treats to the trick or treaters!! My roomy (Jessie) and i even went to a few houses ourselves – ha – our neighbors are good sports. Jessie didn’t even have a bag – she just held out her hand!! ha. Here are some pictures of the real trick or treaters.
30 votes // vote as favoriteOne year mom dressed me as a bee and it wasn’t nearly this cute.
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26 votes // vote as favoriteAfter all the kids came by, the bigger kids came :) -our friends!! And we had quite an awesome costume party!
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32 votes // vote as favoritereferee – with heels :) ha – my cute roommate always wears heels!! But she could prolly still ref a real game without missing a step.
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28 votes // vote as favoriteCheers!!
35 votes // vote as favoriteBOO
44 votes // vote as favoriteThe chiquita banana lady even came to our partay.
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35 votes // vote as favoriteAnd the winners of this years costume party are:
28 votes // vote as favoriteHappy Halloween!!!
One of the best things about living in Kentucky is the fall. For the last two years, typical fall brilliance was lacking – but this year – A-Mazing! I have been at Ryland Lakes the past few days – recouping from surgery at my mom’s house. I couldn’t be at a better place especially during the fall. Ryland Lakes is a little community in Ryland Heights, KY – Several lakes and a golf course adorn the area. You can visit Ryland Lakes Country Club. Most people ride around on golf carts all day. That is what i did when i went out to take these fall photos. Check it out
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36 votes // vote as favoriteI LOVE FALL!!! Hope you get out to enjoy the Kentucky colors – because you may not get this again for a few years :)
Ryland Lakes Country Club
2 Maplewood Dr
Ryland Heights, KY 41015
Ed and Sara were so sweet. After they saw each other for the first time on the Ryland Heights Golf Course, they could not stop grinning. A few times i asked them to try and be serious.. but it was almost impossible for them not to grin. They are so in Love. It was really precious all day. They really wanted to have the wedding outside because Ryland Heights is beautiful especially for a wedding. They also requested lots of black and white photos, so of course I was happy to oblige. They both love golf too, so having it on the Ryland Golf Course was very personal for them as a couple. I am so glad i had the privilege to be their wedding photographer. I love outdoor weddings and i had a great time being their photographer for the day.
When i first arrived, the family was putting up the finishing touches.
39 votes // vote as favoriteThen i visited with Sara who was extremely calm and relaxed and just plain ole.. excited!! here is her gorgeous dress.
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43 votes // vote as favoriteHer Dad flew planes for the air force, so this wedding picture honors that
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36 votes // vote as favoriteThen we went for the first sight. A lady from Ryland Heights was so sweet to set up her home for them. What makes it even more special was that this lady is trying to overcome cancer – fighting this disease is a cause which both Ed and Sara are passionate about. The house was beautiful and we spent some time in there enjoying what she had created in her quaint little Ryland home.
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36 votes // vote as favoriteAnd they love golf and biking- so we did some pics honoring their favorite hobbies
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39 votes // vote as favoriteHere are some more of my favorite Ryland Heights Wedding Pictures
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28 votes // vote as favoriteSo much fun.
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40 votes // vote as favoriteOne of the few couples that actually smashed the wedding cake – awesome.
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47 votes // vote as favoriteThey also smashed boards
24 votes // vote as favoriteAnd in case you need some cool dance moves – may i suggest you learn from this kid!!!
41 votes // vote as favoriteThanks Ed and Sara – I really enjoyed your wedding and I loved being your photographer for the day.
