Self Portrait

Kate 

Over the past year I've had the privilege of getting to know Kate.  

I am inspired by her & her amazing ability to bake unique foods by using rare & local ingredients.  

She is an amazing photographer with her sweet husband Lang, they have the warmest & most

welcoming home, & I am encouraged by their love for the Lord. 

She's seriously so amazing! 

Kate Leichhardt

Age 25

Chicago, IL

***

What is your favorite childhood memory?

I become particularly nostalgic this time of year, so surprisingly this is somewhat easy to answer. My family isn’t very big on traditional gift giving (presents stacked under the tree, gifts from Santa etc…); instead we would always get one or two gifts from my parents and anxiously wait for December 26th. On that day, we always stopped at the Barnes & Noble in Gurnee for the West family free-for-all. We could pick out whatever books we wanted with the approval of my parents. We would spend hours there—perusing every aisle, sharing our finds with one another, deciding which Klutz craft book to buy and squeezing into an overstuffed armchair with my brother to begin our read. When Jonny and I felt ready, we would then begin our search above the rows of books for dad’s head. Upon finding him, we’d have a quick conference regarding our selections and then check out. The next few hours in the car were always silent—nestled into our books, getting lost in the words on the page.

If you were an animal what would you be?

A large dog that belongs to a loving and outgoing family. Dogs in those types of situations have it made.

What is your favorite childhood memory of your dad?

The one I can’t stop thinking about dates back to when I was in 2nd grade. I went through a phase where I would wake up around 1:00AM and freak out about being the only person awake on the earth except for the people in China—and that was simply too far. Second grade logic can be both freeing and dooming. I would pace up and down my 12 x 12 bedroom holding my guinea pig, Velvet. She had a soft nose.

Never longer than 15 minutes, my dad would wake up and find me in my room. In order to get me out of my anxious state, he would put me to work. The first couple nights I remember being assigned to re-organize junk drawers and the hall closet and then moved onto mopping flours and sweeping the patio. My dad would sit on the couch and read. I would eventually come and tell him that I was ready to go back to sleep and he would tuck me in. It only lasted a couple weeks. Apparently it worked.

What are you obsessed with?

My husband. The past three months have been incredible. I love the freedom that exists in marriage and stretching and learning that takes place. Lang is so fun, outgoing, encouraging and loving—not to mention he’s been given this incredible gift and is a mad-talented photographer. He’s the best. So thankful he’s my husband.

Most poignant goal for the next five years?

To listen well. I want to truly hear and digest.

What is your favorite item of clothing?

My husband has labeled my style as “Grandma chic” and I take pride in that. My answer is also a prime example of that look. I have a bomb-dot-com gray cardigan with incredible pockets for fun things like paperclips and almonds.

If you could stop only one injustice what would it be?

Child abuse. There is none more innocent than a child and none more deserving of guidance and love.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

Don’t chalk up a “lame point,” but I would say Louisville. After living nowhere longer than 3 years since middle school, I long for a home base. All my family is near and I love the idea of having a hometown. I hope Louisville becomes that.

What is your favorite thing to chew?

I would say gum because I chew it most frequently, but I most enjoy chewing a stick of venison jerky—preferable shot by my best friend, Slim Shady. She a babe and a hunter. Chew on that.

If you could only do one thing every day for the rest of your life what would it be?

Cook for people. There is a matchless fellowship that takes place over a shared meal. It’s truly beautiful.

What is your manifesto?

You’re made for more.

When you think of adventure what comes to mind?

Being lost and putting forth a great effort to find your bearings.

Self Portrait

Philip

Over the past few years I've had the privilege of getting to know Philip.  

I am inspired by him & his amazing music, his ability to make 

the perfect cup of coffee & train all of the baristas at Quills, & his love for Christ & 

his servant's heart for the growth of our local church, Sojourn.

He's seriously the coolest! 

Philip James Revell

Age 24

Wantagh, New York

***

What is your favorite childhood memory?

I think back to growing up in south Florida and spending every afternoon after school with the rest of the kids in my neighborhood. We did everything together-ride bicycles, play baseball, go to the park, play street hockey, go to the gas station for a Coke, climb trees, build club houses, and buy baseball cards. All from the hours of 3:30 to 7pm, Monday through Friday. We didn't get bored.

If you were an animal what would you be?

A fox. Foxes are sneaky, subtle, and clever (at least the cartoon versions). They aren't dominant or aggressive, but are able to take care of business when necessary. They have quiet strength. I love everything about them.

What is your favorite childhood memory of your dad?

For some reason, I always think back to the time when I tagged along with Dad to run an errand on Christmas Eve. He had to pick something up from his office, and somehow I convinced him to take me to Sbarro for lunch afterward. A homeless man with a $30 guitar approached us outside of Sbarro and said he was looking to get some money to pay for a hotel room on a cold Christmas Eve. In exchange, he'd play "La Bamba" for us on the guitar. Dad gave him a dollar, and he played "La Bamba". Then he went on, wishing us a Merry Christmas, and we went into Sbarro and ate lunch. The owner's kids were there, watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas" as their father baked pizzas all day for the twelve or so patrons who would likely end up eating in a downtown Nashville pizzeria on Christmas Eve. Then Dad and I went home, back to the Christmas music, back to the rest of the family, back to traditions, back to the anticipation of the morning to follow. There wasn't anything special in particular about that trip, but it's always been vivid in my mind. It was just one of the countless times that Dad made it a point to use mundane, ordinary events to spend time with me. And that made it special.

What are you obsessed with?

Country music. Old-time country music, that is.

Most poignant goal for the next five years?

Start a family, make records, serve the church.

What is your favorite item of clothing?

I have a pair of boots that I really enjoy.

If you could stop only one injustice what would it be?

Sex trafficking. It seems that evil is put on display most vividly in this industry, and it devalues human life on multiple levels.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

Kentucky. Have you ever been here? It's the greatest place on earth.

What is your favorite thing to chew?

Food, of course. Most recently, one of my favorite things that I chewed was a slow-braised beef cheek from a restaurant called Decca.

If you could only do one thing every day for the rest of your life what would it be?

Be present with those I love.

What is your manifesto?

To be a steward of what I've been entrusted with.

When you think of adventure what comes to mind?

Traveling across the country, playing music for folks

Disclaimer:

This post is part of a series. The questions are designed to provoke

memories and thoughts that will expose the subject’s sense of self, 

and the pictures are always going to be self portraits, contributed by the subject, 

therefore showing them just as they wish to be shown.

Self Portrait

Mr. Loerke

 

Over the past 5 months I've had the privilege of getting to know Tim through his amazing wife, Em.  

I am inspired by him & his pursuit for his wife, his ability to write awesome letters, 

his love for the outdoors & adventure, & his diligence in his career as a physician assistant.  

I am encouraged by how well he loves my dear friend Em & his community in Dallas. 

He can cook a legit burger & the way to impress me is to feed me well--he gets it y'all. 

Timothy James Loerke

Age 31

Tulsa Oklahoma 

***

What is your favorite childhood memory?
We used to live near a bamboo forest.  My brother and I would spend countless hours exploring the land, as if we were on a mighty expedition.  We would cut down enough shoots to make artisan-like ninja weapons and build forts that even a Green Beret would be proud of.  We had no true reason other than to dream and experience adventure.  It was a glorious time.
If you were an animal what would you be?
I would be a bald eagle.  My nest would be high upon the trees overlooking an Alaskan bay.  The day would be spent dwelling in the land and spying out salmon for the daily meal.  I would never tire of the rush I get from swooping over the water and the cool air traveling through my feathers.
What is your favorite memory of your dad?

He was family doctor who did it all.  He rounded in the hospital, worked the ER, and saw the typical patient in his office.  He would often take me on rounds, include me on procedures, or teach me about the sick people.  The most memorable experience was when I was allowed to cut the tails of suture as my dad gave a man stitches.  It felt like surgery to me.

What are you obsessed with?

Up until the last 3 months I would have said my job in the ER.  However, I was introduced to the sport of fly fishing in June because my wife wanted to spend her birthday on the White River in Arkansas.  She said, "Your present to me can be the trip and the gear for the both of us."  Ever since then, I can't stop thinking about being in the river catching some bows!

Most poignant goal for the next five years?

It would have to be starting a family and being established/rooted in a community.  Em and I are in a transitional point in life where we are ready to settle into a house and begin raising children.  So, I hope we will be within that process in the next 5 years.

What is your favorite item of clothing?

My scrubs.  They have a dual purpose as professional attire and pajamas.  Enough said.

If you could stop only one injustice what would it be?

I would stop both domestic violence and child abuse.  Often in the ER, I will see victims of both.  My heart is troubled because I can only provide these people with resources.  I believe abuse is a cycle.  The perpetrator was most likely abused by someone who abused them.  The injustice is a lack of love for one another.  I guess that's where we can make a difference.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

It would be in the mountains of Bavaria.  I just saw a movie that was filmed there.  It's breath-taking.

What is your favorite thing to chew?

Strange question.  It depends.  If I'm craving something sweet, it would be gum.  If savory, my answer would be beef jerky.

If you could only do one thing every day for the rest of your life what would it be?

Wow.  Another good question.  It would be the practice of emergency medicine.  I love it.  What can I say.

What is your manifesto?

Look beyond self to serve others.

When you think of adventure what comes to mind?

Fly fishing in a Montana stream next to good friends in the Fall season.

Self Portrait

MIMI

When I think of inspiration, my sweet Mimi is always the person who comes to mind.

She got married at the young age of 21, to Clyde Vincent who fought in

WWII in 1942, in the Rainbow Department.

She had three daughters, gave birth to her first daughter, Pat, alone

when her husband was at war. She bought her first house in that same year.

She left Louisville to go to Chicago. She was not afraid to speak her mind,

stand up for her husband's job, & was willing to seek out injustices.

From Chicago she moved to Jackson Mississippi.

Went to the far east, to Japan & Hong Kong, on business at foreign agricultural shows.

Survivor of a terrible car crash.

Clyde passed in 1980. Remarried to Bud 1983.

She was an active member of the PTA, president of the Women's club, &

president of the beautification league-industrial grounds.

Dorothy Magruder Queenan

Age 94

Louisville Kentucky

***

What is your favorite childhood memory?

Being at my grandmother's on Northwestern Parkway.

Playing in the yard between the sidewalk & the parkway.

We could hear the music from the Fountaine Ferry Park.

The splashing from the neighborhood pool.

On the back row was Aubrey's dude ranch where there were ponies.

My favorite was Sugar. I rode Sugar & my kids rode Sugar.

We rode in the pony driven carts. It was a very very very fun place to be. Real fun.

If you were an animal what would you be?

A dog. I'd have someone I could cuddle up to.

What is your favorite memory of your dad?

A man that you could tell anything to. He told me all the time how much he loved me.

He never left our house without kissing all the ladies of the house.

He was so loving. He was very masculine. He was a golfer. He was an inventor.

I'd spend hours with him while he worked on his inventions.

He made an insulated pad for gas tanks so they could put

the gas in without scratching the hood of the car.

That's when Ford made gas tanks on the hoods of cars.

He didn't make much money on that invention because

that was the only model they made like that.

What are you obsessed with?

I don't think I have any obsessions. I think I like things. But I don't really crave.

Most poignant goal for the next 5 years?

Well actually truthfully when u reach my stage of maturity you just thank God for everyday.

You don't think in terms of achievement in the next 5 years.

You are just grateful for today.

What is your favorite item of clothing?

My mink coat.

If you could stop only one injustice what would it be?

Cruelty to children.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

Right where I am. I've been many many places. Many countries.

There isn't a better place than to live right here.

Not Paris. Not London. Not any of the large cities. Not any resorts.

Varied climate is better than one climate.

Seasons are better. It's just the best place to be, Louisville.

What is your favorite thing to chew?

Food. Chocolate.

If you could only do one thing every day for the rest of your life what would it be?

Play cards. Play bridge.

What is your manifesto?

I want to try & leave the world a better place when I am gone.

To inspire someone to try to fill the steps of my inventor & the inventors in my family.

Try & create something. I want to try to better things.

When you think of adventure what comes to mind?

Going to New York to see a play!

Disclaimer:This post is part of a series. The questions are designed to provoke memories and thoughts that will expose the subject’s sense of self, 
and the pictures are always going to be self portraits, contributed by the subject, 
therefore showing them just as they wish to be shown.

Self Portrait

Bucolic Beauty

Over the past 5 months I've had the privilege of getting to know Karrina over Instagram. 
I am inspired by her & her simple lifestyle daily. 
She often cans her own veggies & makes her own jam.
Has an amazing eye for photography & the simple beauty found in the everyday.
A wife & a mother of two, I'm encouraged by how well she loves those close to her.
Karrina O'Neal

Age 31

Elkton Oregon 

***

What is your favorite childhood memory? 

Back home in Hawai'i, we had this beautiful old Okinawa tangerine tree in our yard. 

It seemed as though it bore fruit year round and my sister and I 

would spend hours perched up in the tree, reading, talking, and gorging ourselves on its sweet, wonderfully easy to peel fruit. I miss that tree (and my sister).

If you were an animal what would you be? 

I'd love to be a Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin. What joyful creatures! And they get to surf all day long. I miss surfing.

What is your favorite childhood memory of your dad? 

While I was a child, I didn't know my dad very well at all. He raised me, alone, until I was six years old and then I was sent to live with my aunt in Hawai'i. My dad had (and still has) a great love of the Japanese culture. In fact, I consider myself a by-product of my dad's great love of the Japanese culture - my mother was Japanese. During his years in Japan, he developed a palate for the cuisine and would often take me to his favorite sushi bar in Japantown. The memories are dim but still good.

What are you obsessed with?

 I could write a short novel on that topic. I guess I could say that I'm obsessed with the everyday beauty and all the little things that make life beautiful; dusty old books, the way cream swirls when poured atop a steaming cup of coffee, the sound of my children laughing, dappled sunlight, conversations that take place between midnight and three in the morning, the smell of transpiration in the evening after a long, hot summer day...the list goes on and on...

Most poignant goal for the next five years? 

To really be able to capture the the world, in photographs, as I see it through my eyes.

What is your favorite item of clothing? 

Any one of my cable knit sweaters.

If you could stop only one injustice what would it be? 

Greed. It's a black hole and the cause of so much destruction, both literally and figuratively.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? 

It's a tie between England and New Zealand. I've never been to either but feel a strong kinship with both places. 

What is your favorite thing to chew? 

Salt water taffy. I love it!

If you could only do one thing every day for the rest of your life what would it be? 

Besides being with my beautiful family? Read. I'm a book worm.

What is your manifesto?
Despite that there is so much evil, injustice, greed, hate, and violence in the world, there is yet so much good and beauty, if you choose to see it. Don't let the former cloud your vision.

When you think of adventure what comes to mind? 

Each and every day! No matter how carefully and meticulously we plan and schedule, we never really know what will happen next. 

Disclaimer:
This post is part of a series. The questions are designed to provoke
memories and thoughts that will expose the subject’s sense of self, 
and the pictures are always going to be self portraits, contributed by the subject, 
therefore showing them just as they wish to be shown.

Self Portrait

AG

I've had the opportunity to work with AG for the past 14 months & he inspires me daily.
He's a dad, the lead trainer on Frazier Rehab's Spinal Cord Unit, a musician, and a good friend.
He knows how to have a good time & I love watching him work under pressure.
I admire him because he is so laid back & easy going but always manages to get the job done.
Anthony Gallahar
Age 30
Jeffersonville Indiana 
***

What is your favorite childhood memory?

Family Get Togethers at The House ... GooD FooD, Family & FuN.

If you were an animal what would you be?

Killer Whale ... Even though I don't swim that well--haha

 What is your favorite memory of your dad? 

Summer Vacas, Xmas & Movies

What are you obsessed with? 

MY Family, Music & Sports (Football in Particular)

Most poignant goal for the next five years? 

Prosperity in whatever I'm doing ... (Fatherhood, Work, Music, etc.)

What is your favorite item of clothing? 

Shoes--Maybe my Jordan flip flops

If you could stop only one injustice what would it be? 

Court Systems

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? 

Somewhere its Warm Most the Year with Lots to Do ...Florida or Cali

What is your favorite thing to chew? 

Gum ...

If you could only do one thing every day for the rest of your life what would it be? 

Create Music

What is your manifesto? 

Continue to Progress, Learn & Be the Best "DaDa" as Possible. 

When you think of adventure what comes to mind? 

Traveling the World.

Follow @thanewag

Disclaimer:

This post is part of a series. The questions are designed to provoke

memories and thoughts that will expose the subject’s sense of self, 

and the pictures are always going to be self portraits, contributed by the subject, 

therefore showing them just as they wish to be shown.

Self Portrait

Mel Nichter

     

Over the past year I've had the daily privilege of being inspired, challenged, & encouraged by my sweet friend, Mel. She is approaching marriage & I have the honor of being one of her maids. She is an avid paddler, a soccer rock star, my skiing sidekick, a beloved friend to many, and someone who’s graciousness makes me smile everyday.  

Melanie Ann Nichter

Age 23

Louisville, KY

***

What is your favorite childhood memory?

Tying camping supplies to my saddle and trail-blazing on my quarter horse named "Ringo Starr" (A tribute to my favorite Beatles member)
If you were an animal what would you be?
A dinosaur. Need I explain?
What is your favorite memory of your dad?
EVERY Saturday morning he took my bro and I to eat Egg McMuffins from McDonalds.
What are you obsessed with?
 My FRIENDS.
Most poignant goal for the next five years?
In light of this new adventure I’m about to embark on called MARRIAGE, here are my most poignant
goal(s) for the next five years:
1)      Finishing up my degree at seminary whilst traveling wherever the wind may blow Alex and me.
2)      Taking care of a family full of curly-headed little ones.
3)      Successfully owning and maintaining a GINORMOUS chicken coop.
What is your favorite item of clothing?
My green American Eagle shorts. Hand-me-downs from my first roommate in college (thanks Kristen!)
Their frayed edges and over-sized pockets carry memories from my first day of college, first solo
international trip, and ENGAGEMENT to THE Alex Duke.
If you could stop only one injustice what would it be?
Human trafficking.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Sulawesi, Indonesia.
What is your favorite thing to chew?
Pen caps. Really bad habit.
If you could only do one thing every day for the rest of your life what would it be?
Chew pen caps.
Kidding.
 It’s a close race between performing in hip-hop dance contests or leading Segway Tours across the world
(you probably think I'm kidding.)
What is your manifesto?
 “Now, Lord, I would be yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me
Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You.”
When you think of adventure what comes to mind?
INDONESIA.
Climbing through the night to the top of Mount Marape to freeze my butt off and watch the sun rise over
Bukittinggi. (West Sumatra) OR making new friends and riding their motorcycles all through the town of
Kerinci. (South Sumatra) OR hiking through the jungles of Bukit Lawang (North Sumatra) and feeding
carrots to wild orangutan. 
(Is your mouth watering yet? LET’S GO!)


Disclaimer:

This post is part of a series I plan on doing every week. The questions are designed to provoke
memories and thoughts that will expose the subject’s sense of self, 
and the pictures are always going to be self portraits, contributed by the subject, 
therefore showing them just as they wish to be shown.