** new: recently found some old photos which I added to the "During Anorexia" Photo album... scroll down to picture menu **

T a s t e Updated!

Hey - Look at me now!

These pictures were taken summer 2003

Merry Meet! - Lisa (the one usually with the red hair)

Above is my kitty, Spooky; to the left- me and Spooky pose;

and Below - me & my beautiful bride friend Gretchen!

Scroll all the way down for poems & pictures! Recent additions are my current photo album as well as The Under Fed with new pictures.

"T a s t e"

my Eating Disorder story in pictures and poems

Introduction to "T a s t e" : The following is a rather "epic" poem that I wrote about my seven year struggle with anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive eating. I had the privilege of having some of my story aired on Dateline NBC in April of 1999, as well as a 'sister' story in People Magazine that same month. It was all a bit overwhelming but I received a lot of wonderful feedback from people around the world... which I treasure to this day!

It did come to my attention, however, that because these stories described some of the things I did while in the clutches of a life-threatening disease, some "apprentice of anorexia" (people studying the disorder in attempt to figure out how to best practice it themselves) will begin dangerous habits that I once was plagued by... but the psychotherapy community (which I am now a part of, having graduated in with a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology in June 1999) has yet to figure out a way to stop this sadly common phenomenon. It is the same dilemma when reporting on suicide or drug use, people will learn how to do these destructive things via the stories which are attempting to warn people away from such lifestyles... I, myself, remember reading "The Best Little Girl In The World" (the first novel about a young anorexic, very well written, by Steven Levonkron, a therapist who works to this day with eating disorders in New York) and learning how to be a 'good anorexic' at the ripe old age of twelve. I do NOT hold the book or the author responsible, I was aware of the data I was collecting, and though I am sadden at the idea that some young person will starve themselves the way I did after seeing or reading my story, I know that the struggle they have begun before they sought out my story for "tips"... yet I still ache at the thought of it.

Following the poem, I have some pictures of myself before, during, and after my battle. I was both underweight at one point and overweight at one point, being 'normal' weight most of the time, which is quite common in eating disorder victims.

I hope you like the poem. -Lisa

p.s. Yes, I have a hair dying disorder (hair color bulimia?)... you'll see mostly red & blonde

To the left, is an old picture of me and my best friend Lauren (who still is my best buddy ol' pal, for nineteen years now!) during my eating disorder... (I have blonde hair)

Below, are various choices which will lead you to other pictures and poems regarding my seven year battle. These are my personal pictures as well as my own original poetry.

If you would like to use an image or poem, please credit me (Lisa Arndt) and link to this website so curious people can investigate further if they'd like to! Thank you.

For an explanation of the ancient "religion" I practice, called Wicca, read this!!

"Taste" is a copyrighted work - Lisa Arndt, M.A. 2003

All poems and photographs and writings and other creations represent work done by Lisa Arndt

Please treat with respect.

Trinity Copyright 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003