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.