Slob

This morning Dave and I pledged to become ‘clean people.’ 

You know, the kind that apologizes when visitors come over and the guests really have no idea what we are referring to as dirty. Yep, future us. We are making this decision in part because it is due and nobody likes slobs. Plus, I don’t want to picture ourselves as the trailer-park-bearded-lady-crusted-ketchup-stains-on-the-hairy-belly people that come to mind when I think of the word slob. So wish us luck in our “Quest to Less Mess.”

I believe in fresh smells.

Pretty is not enough. Pretty is nice. It’s Fine. Pretty can turn heads, but beauty? Beauty can change the whole world. Pretty is what you are, but beauty is what you do with it. Pretty lifts the spirits; beauty makes them soar. So smile. Be bold. Show your beauty. When you put pretty into action, there’s no limit to what you can do. Be a force of beauty.

--Anonymous

Miss Provo 2006 is currently deciding on a quote to send out to all of the winners of the Miss Provo Pageant of the past 30 years (hoping to build the relationship between past winners and current contestants.) This quote is on her top 5 (and is the best in my opinion.) It is especially important for those who are so closely connected to their body image to have soft reminders that true beauty is worth more than the drastic dieting techniques.

Sophie

Scratching the surface of wacom drawing.

New Orleans Night Life

The pose at the end says so much about her.

I believe in smooth jazz.

Mignon

"Now, let me ask you a question. Because I watched some of your videos and I was really really impressed with the work and I don't know if it's your team or your school or what but some of the videos I saw are all around social justice and community development, is this what this program concentrates on?"-Mignon

"Where we come from, we're film students connected through a social entrepreneurship program. That helps link us with non-profit organization and provides the opportunities for us to do it with them."-Jennie

"That's it. Right there. That's it. I got it. So the partnership brings this piece in.
So, as film students, how interesting is that for you to be linked to non-profits and to see the kind of work non-profits do? Is that meaningful to you? More so than doing something not on this side?"-Mignon

"It gives us an opportunity to give back and so that's really rewarding too. That's why we're in film, because this is a very powerful medium and it gives these organizations a step up at the same time."-Lauren

"So you really are like us.
You're doing the same kind of work. You're just doing it through media. 
Right? That's great! Look at how you're telling these stories, you're putting them out there for anyone who might want to see them. Anyone will have access, that's fantastic. 
That's great. . .we have something in common."- Mignon

What a compliment BYU.

Why serve?

Let them feel as cool as they are, for once. 

BYU Experience changed my mind about a lot of things and the only payment I could do in return was try and make them a rockin' video. Watch at least 10 seconds, please. If you like it at all, would you please repost it? Or have a friend watch it? I ask only for a few reasons. . .

1. I needed a job and the offer for Y-serve needing a videographer was inspired. I have loved working with this company because it has prepared me for the work I want to do for the rest of my life.
2. Soon, you will see that my boss has gone the extra mile to make my family have an unforgettable experience. Just wait on this one. . .
3. This film not only is of my favorite event with Y-serve but it is my last film with them. Do it for Coco, do it for serving, do it for mankind.

I believe in authenticity.

Why You Should Run The Dirty Dash

The dirty dash is for all running levels. It's super intense if you want it to be or it's super casual and you can just have fun.
Each person from my office that decided to run had a good time, what else can you say that about?
The scenery is gorgeous.
Got kids? Bring em! Kids had just as much fun as the adults.
Fun yet not too dangerous. I was worried about Lizi's weak ankles but they are feelin' great!

There's my shout out. Peace out, yo!

I TAKE IT ALL BACK.

What a glorious, beautiful, wonderful absolutely gorgeous day. No tears my friends. We walked right up to the MTC sidewalk and pure happiness hit. Then, I realized. I cried for two days straight thinking of all of the selfish "she's leaving me" boohoo's and then when it all got down to the moment, it never was about me. Jessica is going on a mission to AFRICA! She will conquer.

People Leave

I sat there and all of the selfish thoughts flooded my eye sockets, urging me to beg you to not leave me. But we both know. Even an impressive session of gnashing my teeth, collapsing into a screaming ball to the floor or throwing all sorts of tissy fits won't matter. If only we were still children and temper tantrums did the trick (and were socially acceptable.)

But we both know.
Why don't we always want the situation that is for the best? Why is it that the older you get, the less ready you feel? I miss little Lizi who could take on anything. She was Fort Knox and this would be no big deal. Instead, I'll stand by you anyway trying to crack jokes (curse you ---> humor when I'm uncomfortable.)

But we both know. That you sacrificed your germophobia to grant me my last request. That everyone is proud that you're taking this huge leap of faith. That I'm in denial but in reality very happy for you. I know you'll come back for me some day and I'm saving all of my dandelion wishes so you don't find a better best friend.

Cozy Getaway Weekend

Surrounded by people I love.

Inspired by a Grandmother and bodybuilding barber for a Grandpa.

Birthday fortune cookies.

Completed a nearly impossible task.

Watched a cougar capture.

Became a hungry hungry hippo.

Rekindled Sunday game nights.
Cried. Hard. The only outpouring process of excessive emotion.

Took a hike.

I believe in laugh-lines.

A No-Good Very Bad Post

You ignored me because you thought I was fat.

You said I was lame because I grew up in Utah.

You pointed out that I'm not from the rich/popular neighborhood.

You told me I was foolish to believe in God.

At first, I didn't believe any of you. Then as the repetition occurred, slowly, the words stung.

However. . . .
You got fat.
You came to live in Utah.
You can't save any money because you want to keep up appearances for your neighborhood.
God sure has not given up on me so I refuse to lose faith in Him.

And I'm the one who's supposed to feel sorry for myself?

I took the Jarvis family pictures. 

With my new lens. We've got quite a few winners.

I'm taking off for another film shoot today.

Pray for me. This film is very dear to my heart. 

I believe in smiles.

Today is Wednesday

Wednesdays are often my frenemy. You understand, don't you?

If the only thing you want to do is curl up in a ball and sleep until friday afternoon, I've been there. Try watching this, you won't regret it.

I believe in believers.

Turning 22

Hairy Chest organized a horse ride.

Watched the sunset from quite a view.



My first pedicure. . .tickled.

Not counting the bajillion people that took a moment from their day to wish me happy birthday. Every last bit was appreciated.

Great friends. Great family. Great fun.

A Melting Pot of Expression

After 15 sit down interviews, 7 time-lapses, 6 flights (including layovers), 15 hour-a-day filming schedules, a ridiculously small amount of sleep, hundreds of self timed photos, several unique encounters with the homeless, 1 full terabyte of raw footage, 2 coasts on the opposite sides of the country, 100 new songs, several new edible dishes, 16 new faces to adore and a semi close film crew that now feels like family. . .

. . .my past life resurfaced.

Call it the constant repetition of running on 4 hours of sleep but I can hardly differentiate which reality I'm living in. 

New Orleans is surreal: like a far off exhilarating haze, a place with so much color I'd never guess we share the same country, a place where people make time to sit on their porches, filled with Jazz music and fried dough. The only thing it was missing was Dave.

Upon arrival, I feel naked without the familiar companionship of a fully loaded equipment backpack attached to me at all times of the day. I had a camera attached to my eye socket for so long that I now see in box shapes. Now that there is a breather, I am craving to see how the footage looks. I'm not used to being left photoless so WHORAH.

To all, I believe in pillows.

Quip

Seriously. Loving. It.

I believe in kindred spirits.

Happiness is not for Liars

Your pants are on fire.

Happiness is such a broad term and is hard to understand unless you're facing it first hand. When you're not, it can be hard to remember just how splendid life is.

Documenting happiness can be brilliant, joyous, genius, inspirational and just plain fun. . . unfortunately it can also make you seem like a big fat liar (and glutton for punishment, too far away from reality, too unrealistic, too hypocritical, too self centered.) Honestly? The name of this blog has been a the falling anvil on my head.

Sometimes, I'm so mad I scream into my pillow. Sometimes I'm so happy, I have to wait until those around me aren't looking so I can victory dance. But my lips seem to be sealed when I sit down to type it all out when I know there is an audience awaiting. (Oh, what would they think of me? People don't share what they really feel on blogs. Everybody's lives seem so perfect.) well Captain Obvious, you fall short too. And. . . Life is too short to be dishonest. Your virtual personality in actuality can represent you(r true self) more fully.

So be your fierce self and dare to publish.

New Orleans

We take off to New Orleans, Louisiana Friday at 4 in the morning.

13 nights away from Dave will be a doozy.

The Jazz Festival will keep me company.

I'm missing four weddings.

However, I'm fulfilling a dream by traveling the south.

We've had several stress 'bombs' dropped on us the last week but that makes me think it's because it's go'n be goooood!

I apologize for the lack of soul pouring for the next couple of weeks. Sort of.

I believe in beignets.

Kyle Killen

This guy. . . is quickly gaining my respect when it comes to the film world. 

Or at least so far. We'll see if the pressure of the industry will turn him into a diamond.

He has a wife and three small children in which he doesn't work weekends to spend substantial time with them. He had a practical job in Texas but wasn't quite satisfied with completely giving up screenwriting. He did it as a hobby and one day he just took a chance by dropping off scripts he wrote to a bunch of different companies. One company saw his potential and took him on. His first TV series wasn't advertised very well so after two episodes it was canceled but then he tried out a midseason show that I absolutely adore: Awake. 

Awake continues to impress with every episode: it is an intense show (sometimes violent because of the main character's job) but it also has some very edifying themes (such as strong relationships.) This show is mind-bending and makes you think twice while you're dealing with others. With the way that this show is set up, I can assume two very glorious things about Kyle Killen: He is deeply invested in showing the family unit in a healthy way and he is familiar with sociology (how else could he be so good at playing with our heads?)

I believe in Kyle Killen.

May he stay committed to high standards.

Giggles are Important

Life is getting busy. The best kind of busy. Giggling is still important though.

Do I smell cheetos?