On Being Content.

It seems that today, being content has taken on a bad connotation. People seem to look down on content - look on it as lazy or uninspiring. But, I have to disagree. The definition of the word is so amazing: 'in a state of peaceful happiness'. Amazing. Who doesn't want peaceful happiness?!

So often, our happiness is conditional. I'll be happy if... or I'll be happy when... we all fill in the blanks differently. If, I lose 10 pounds. If, I book 5 weddings. When, we live in one spot for more than 6 months. When, we have lots and lots of money.

What makes us think that achieving these arbitrary things will finally make us happy?

If we can't appreciate our life and find happiness in it exactly as it is today - then when will we ever be happy? How will having more money make me happy - won't I just want for even more money? And so, today, I am choosing to be content. That if this is all I have in life - it is enough. I am happy. I am at peace. A state of peaceful happiness.

That doesn't mean that we can't dream and strive to achieve more greater things for our life. Of course, we can and should still dream big dreams and do whatever we can to achieve those dreams. BUT my happiness will not be dependant on achieving those dreams. I have absolutely everything I need to be happy right this very moment. I think we all do. We just have to choose that it is enough. That our happiness isn't conditional. Right in this very moment - we can choose to be content.



Some photos that are making me happy today.

Splashing in Puddles.

It's a joy I haven't ever grown up from. There just really isn't any equivalent to the kind of giddy joy I'm talking about.

Splashing. In Puddles.

It makes me smile. Every. Single. Time.

This past weekend it rained in the Phoenix area - a rarity around here. I just couldn't resist going out and enjoying the puddles the rain clouds left behind.





Happy girl over here.

Things You Didn't Know....

.... about ME!

It's been a little while since I compiled a list of random, pointless, fun, things you didn't know you wanted to know. About me. I know, you can barely contain your excitement ;)

And so, without any adieu...

10 Random Things About Kari

1. When I am reading a really good book - I become lost in it. Can't put it down, all I can think about, read for hours. I even, *ahem*, put off writing good, thoughtful, blog posts just so I can get back to it faster.

2. Sour Watermelons are my absolute favourite candy. Just love them.

3. I am very clumsy. I walk into things, hit my elbows, stumble, drop things, & bang my head way too often. Although, I prefer telling people that I have poor spatial awareness. It sounds way more dignified.

4. Frequently, I check with Scott to see if the things I do, or think, are normal. "Is it just me, or...." and most of the time, it is just me. Meh, normal is boring.

5. I wear size 7 shoes. And, I swear, I don't have an addiction to shoes. Okay, maybe just a little.

6. Tarzan is my favourite Disney movie.

7. "Daddy, what's all the hullabaloo about?" Is my favourite line from Tarzan.

8. I pretend I am British all the time and talk with an accent. It started when I was 10. Hasn't stopped.

9.  Iced Passion Tea Lemonade is my new drink at Starbucks. So delicious.

10. When I need a good laugh I just youtube one of the following: laughing babies, funny cats, Ellen scare montage. Works every single time.




I watched this video again because I thought I would just link it; but, I was laughing so hard that I had to put it in the post. Tears, I was laughing so hard!

And there! 10 very random things you probably didn't know about me :)

Married: Jon & Felicia

This is a wedding I second shot with Amy & Jordan - and my first time every shooting a wedding in Phoenix!


This couple was so filled with joy to be saying 'I Do'- it was evident in the smiles and the little glances they shared. Jon & Felicia are both such hardworking and driven individuals who make each other better and remind each other of what is important. Their wedding day truly was a celebration of love & they had an amazing group of friends and family surrounding them to share in it all. I absolutely loved being able to help capture their amazing, beautiful, day.




















View Amy & Jordan's full blog post here.

2013: Goals

I know that its a little late in the month to be posting my 2013 goals - but better late then never, right?! I wanted to take my time and really evaluate what I wanted to set my sights on this year - what is important and necessary to improve my life and my photography.

If I can make a theme to my 2013 goals - I want it to be effectiveness. Especially in the sense of effect vs efficient. I am very good at being busy, multitasking, crossing to-do's off lists; but, is what I am busily doing actually worth doing. Is it an effect use of my time? Is it intentional and purposeful? Am I using my time to do something worthwhile - things that will move me forward and make a difference in my life and the life of those around me?

And so, my goals to make 2013 a more effective year.


Personal:

Less Time on Social Media.

Especially when I am in the presence of other people. Real people in real life should always take precedent over internet world. It is just such a habit - and it is so easy with technology - to constantly check Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. We don't even really think about it anymore - its more like a reflex. And social media just sucks you into it's black hole of time wasting vortex. "Oh, I'll only spend 5 minutes quickly looking at Pinterest." Said no one. Ever.

Yoga Twice a Week.

I really, really enjoy yoga and stretching and for so long I've said I should do more at home. This is the year to make it a happen. Work it into my weekly routine. If I put it out there then hopefully I'll feel more accountable.

Teach Scott How To Use My Camera.

So, you know, I can actually BE in some photos now and then. And don't worry, Scott has verbally agreed to wanting this too. I'm not forcing him! Promise!

Read the Bible Daily.

I've started reading The One Year Bible every year for the past two years - there are small readings already separated into all the days of the year for you - and I usually do really good until June or July and then I skip a few days here and there and before you know it I'm months behind where I'm supposed to be. This is a priority this year.



Photography:

Branch into Senior Photography.

Weddings are my main love, but it is a little hard to book clients when I move so much! So, since I enjoyed this shoot so much, I want to branch out and pursue doing High School Senior Photography. It is so huge down in the states and I think it can be in Canada too. My hope is to book 5 senior sessions.

Update my Blog

I really want to make this space look more professional and attractive to potential clients as well as reflect more of my personality. Unfortunately, spending the big bucks on a new website & blog just isn't possible at this point (and I don't want to just do a template website that is cheap and unoriginal only to upgrade and change it in a couple years) so updating this space to have a more effective impact will have to work for now!


Consistent Style

I want my photographs to have a consistent style that is distinguishable and reflects my brand while capturing the unique personalities of my those in front of my camera. I want my photos to be fun, vibrant, and authentic. I want to be very intentional about how I compose, edit, etc to reflect the outcome I want - instead of just doing what everyone else is doing.

Improve Posing

To capture more authentic emotion. The main idea I have to accomplish this is to have more movement in my posing to allow couples/families/children to really be themselves in the pose and make it their own. Also really need to improve on articulating myself better and more effectively to achieve the pose/look I am aiming for.

A photo from New Years Day. Working on our marriage is always a priority

 for us - not because it is fragile; but, because it is worth fighting for.  

Writing these goals down in a blog post and sharing them is scary. Hopefully by putting my goals out into the world I will feel more accountable to achieve them. And, an inspiring friend shared a fact that say people who write down their goals actually make more money over their lifetime than those who don't! What are some of your goals this year? Did you write them down?

Married: Keith & Larissa

This is the last wedding of the year I shot with Modern Pixel Photography. The perfect one to end off on.

They wanted their wedding to be a small, intimate, affair. And, with only their immediate family and a close friend to marry them, it was just that. Even though it was small - it was big on love. So much love. It was amazing to witness.

Keith & Larissa had one of the sweetest first looks I have ever had the privilege to witness. Their genuine, deep, encompassing love for one another was so evident in their beautiful excited smiles. They promised forever to each other at the Assiniboine Park Conservancy and it was the perfect location to fit their fun, quirky, joyful personalities. Loved being able to help capture this wonderful wedding.

Appreciation List: Sick Edition

I've been battling a head cold/flu/fever type sickness for the past five days. No signs of improvement yet - but I'm hopeful. Well.... hopeful is buried under a wallowing of self pity, whining, complaining, woe is me, miserable type of feelings.

So, to dig hopeful out a little and bring it closer to the surface, I thought I would do another appreciation list. Because, even - sometimes especially - amidst sickness, there is so much to be thankful for.


My List of Appreciation: Sick Edition

- Scott. He has been taking care of me these past few days - tucking me in, rubbing my feet, hugging me, bringing me breakfast, and so much more.

- Yogurt & Tea. And all other smooth soft non throat scratching foods.

- Netflix. For keeping me entertained when all I have the energy for is to lie on the couch.

- My Pen Pal. Of the electronic age. For making me laugh.

- Hot Showers.

- Maintenance Personal. For showing me how to turn on the heat in our apartment - so we could stop living in an ice box.

- My Bed. Who is comfortable and doesn't judge me when I take 2 naps a day.

- Sudoku for iPhone. For keeping me entertained when I've watched all the Gossip Girl on Netflix that I can handle in one day.

- Vicks Vapour Rub. That stuff, even though it leaves a greasy mess, just rocks my world.

- Being in Phoenix. Thankful that we are currently living as snowbirds so I don't have to worry about making it through work or calling in sick.


There. I feel better already :)

2012 Favourites: Personal

I thought that to finish up a week of sharing my favourite photos from the last year that I would do 'personal' photos. Ones I took just for me. Photos that documented my life. That make my heart happy and bring a smile to my face.