bolt

Hi there friends!

I'm starting off my 31 Days of Typography with this glinting example discovered in the world around me, courtesy of my local library.  Today I popped in to the library with my husband so we could stock up on some reads for October, and on the way in, I stopped by the little shelf that holds some books that are free with a donation to the library.  You just never know what will be on those shelves, and today brought this gem of a book, with its shining, shimmering spine.  It sat among some books about economics and fighter planes, just waiting for me to come discover it's fontastic spine.  (Oh yes I did.)

I instantly knew this book needed a spot on our own bookcase, where we can admire the title's gold dimension and lean structure.   The type is strong and a little flashy, which I think meshes with the word "bolt" so well.  What a beaut!

Welp, I hate to run, but I do have to bolt, so best wishes for a fantastic day.  (Seriously on a roll here.)

xo, Caitlin

 

 

 

31 Days of Typography

Dear Friends,

Here we go, here we go!

Tomorrow kicks off a new month and with it I'll be jumping into a new project---31 Days of Typography.  The tagline in my head for this bad boy is "Sharing and Pairing Letters That I Love."  Or you can join my husband in simply calling the whole thing "Come Thou Font." Whatever works, just get ready for a font-filled time.

I'm joining up with The Nester and bunches of others who will spend October delving into topics of their choice and posting about it each day.  Typography jumped out at me as something to explore because...

1.) You know I love me some letters and 2.) I know typography is around me.  I want to notice these special little details in everyday life and 3.) I'd like to practice pairing with new type finds and combos

Sounds like a party, right?  I'll be linking each day to this post, so this will be home base for all that's to come related to the 31 Days of Typography.

Let's do this thang! Caitlin

Day 1: Bolt Day 2: Bloomington Brewing Co Day 3: 58 Day 4: Follow You Day 5: Farm Fresh Produce Day 6: Strength & Song Day 7: Have Faith Day 8: In Deepest Waters Day 9: Potpourri Day 10: Make Something Good Day 11: Let's Go Cards Day 12: Whitmans Day 13: Gateway Arch Day 14: Beauty Day 15: Life Writing Paper Day 16: Paula Red Day 17: Tattoo Day 18: Popt Corn Day 19: Real Life Type Day 20: Caramel Pumpkin Swirl Scones Day 21: Honey Day 22: Autumn Day 23: Between the Pages Day 24: Washingtonian Best Breakfasts Day 25: Lakeview Day 26: Life Is the Art of Drawing Day 27: Flourish Day 28: Anchor of Hope Day 29: Coconut Banana Cream Day 30: Play Day 31: October Eves

september check-in

Dear friends,
It's been awhile since there was a goal check-in, so that's happening right now.  Can't measure progress if you don't take time to measure progress, right?!  
Where I'm at in the goals department:
  • Reading 2 books a month. Yes!  What's been on my nightstand?  Where'd Ya Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple. The Best of Us by Sarah Pekkanen.  Kisses from Katie by Katie J Davis.  Manuscript found in Accra by Paulo Coelho, which is where the above quote is from.  I'm a big fan of Paulo, who also wrote The Alchemist, and you should definitely pick up that one if you haven't before!  What's scary is that I know there was one more book that I read in the past few weeks, and I can't for the life of me remember what it was.  Does this happen to anyone else?!
  • SheReadsTruth. Join along! Join along! Join along!  I just love having this as part of my morning routine.  We recently moved through "Women of the Bible" and just finished up a Daniel plan.  Both gave me a deeper look at men and women who recognized the fullness of God's love and gave Him all the glory right on back in response.  So, so good.  (PS, if you haven't checked out the SheReadsTruth website in awhile, be sure to do so!  The new site is super beautiful and really easy to follow along with!)
  • Blog once a week.  Yikes.
  • Grow my Etsy shop.  Yes, so far some new canvases and journals, but more items are coming! For sneak peaks, be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram!

Mmk.  Thanks for holding me accountable!  Cheers to the weekend!

Hugs, Caitlin

Influence---I'm coming for ya

Dear friends, I've talked about it before, and I"ll talk about it again.  I'm headed to Influence Conference in 16 DAYS, and I can't wait to be there! It's hard to believe it has been a whole year since Influence 2012, but I'm excited to reconnect with friends from last year and meet many new ones, too.  I'm also super pumped to be participating in the Sashes Market!  If you're headed to Influence, be sure to to pop on by the market to say hi and check out the Anthro-inspired, real-life-Etsy market!  I'm thrilled to be bringing some Lettered Life items (canvases! notecards! iphone cases! journals!) and to spend time with some amazingly creative business women.  Would you like a sneak peak?  Here ya go...

Today I'm linking up with other Influence-goers so we can get to know each other a  little better before the conference kicks off.  (Hi new friends!)  We're sharing a couple of items we'll have packed and a few things we are excited for.  Without further ado...

2 things that will definitely be in my bag:

  1. A journal.  I'm an old fashioned note taker and will be jotting down all that I'm learning and also reflecting on all God's goodness during the weekend!
  2. A little bag to hold all the pretty business cards.  This sounds a little silly, BUT it's for real.  Last year I met so many people and loved having their cute little info cards when I was back at home so I could track down everyone's blogs/shops/internet spaces!

2 (or 6) things you I am most looking forward to during the conference:

  1. Meeting new friends.  The entire speaker lineup.  The homemade business workshop.  Christmas shopping in the Sashes Market.  
  2. Reflecting on how God has moved me since last year's conference and praying for what He'll do in the future. Hearing how God has worked in the lives of others!

I'm so excited.  If you're headed to Influence, leave a little note below! We can also connect on Twitter or Instagram!

Sending out love,

Caitlin

 

a note about notes

Heya Friends, Just wanted to pop in and let you know that the Lettered Life Shop has a new item on its virtual shelves.  It is turquoise and cornflower and has polka dots and arrows....it fits in your purse and and is perfect for recording your dreamy thoughts.  Here she is!

Yep, she's a journal.  And boy do I love journals. And notebooks.  I think I'm just a paper goods kinda person.  I have one notebook for work stuff.  I have a journal that I use with my daily devotional.   I have a notebook where I write down things that I really like from books.  And I have one (or two or three) that I just record memories in, so I can remember them for years to come.  There's just something about writing things down that makes me feel better.  Maybe it's because I feel like I'm committing my recorded thoughts to a deeper level of memory when I jot them down, or maybe it's just because I like to go back and look at my own handwriting on a certain day and know that's what I was thinking about at the time.  Whatever it is, it feels important to me, so I keep writing things down.

So if you are writer-downer, hopefully this journal can be a happy place for you.  I hope it can be something you can fill with joy, whether it's to-do lists, things you are thankful for, recipes, the first chapter of your soon-be-best-selling novel or whatever inspires you to pick up a pen and write.

Hope you are having the best kind of day,

Caitlin

PS--more info about the journal in the shop!

my home sweet home

Hi Friends! Happy Fourth of July Weekend!

How was your Independence Day? Did you eat enough watermelon? Hot dogs?  Burgers?  Ice cream?  Popsicles? Corn on the cob?  Ever since my parents started an annual 4th of July bike parade on our street growing up, I've loved the holiday.  (Props to Mom and Dad for getting the party started on our block!)  It was a reason to decorate my bike in red, white and blue crepe paper....and eat about 10 freezer pops before noon, preferably of the pink lemonade flavor.

To celebrate the day, our neighborhood gathers at the local elementary school with their wagons, bikes, roller blades (remember those?!), and strollers all decked out in their finest patriotic decor.  Then we march/roll/ride down to our house to tunes including the Star Spangled Banner and Stars and Stripes Forever.  Up until a few years ago, my grandpa would lead the group with a big ol' American  flag as our grand marshall, and knowing him, I'm pretty sure he probably marches around with an American flag on the 4th in heaven.

Once the parade route ends at our house, the bikes and wagons are parked and the eating begins.  Along with the barbecued hot dogs, strawberry swirled ice cream cones are scooped and cups of lemonade are everywhere.  Our neighbors bring tons of other red, white and blue treats and we all just soak up the summery atmosphere.  Once everyone has found their way to the food tables, we gather around the flag and pledge allegiance loud and proud, and my mom brings out a patriotic birthday cake so we can sing happy birthday to America.  It's a beautiful thing.

This year I wasn't in town for the big neighborhood shebang, but don't worry, we still let our 'Murican Pride shine.  It's pretty much in the blood.  I had keep the "let's sing happy birthday to America" tradition alive by making a flag-inspired fruit pizza!  (See below.)  It was the perfect sweet complement to our meal of grilled burgers and corn on the cob.  In the evening, we headed to the park where we sat on blankets in the grass with the whole town.  Cornhole tournaments, elephant ear stands and snow cone vendors lined the sidewalks as we waited for an beautiful fireworks show.  It was the best.   Seeing all the people outside enjoying something so simple and special makes me happy, and very thankful to be an American.

I hope your Fourth was full of fun, and that the weekend continues to be one of joy and gratitude for our country.

xo, Caitlin

 

the best is yet to come

Hiya Friends!

Not sure what you're up to today, but for me, I'm just typing and smiling because it is JULY and it is going to be a great month.  Some pretty spectacular travels are headed my way, and I'm so thankful for the season of summer!  But before it gets away from me, here's how I did with June goals!

  • Reading 2 books a month. Yes!  Go pick up Young House Love by Sherry & John Petersik! The subtitle says it all: 243 Ways to Paint, Craft, Update & Show Your Home Some Love.  It will kinda make you want to tackle 100 projects, but it was so fun to read through!  Also check out Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron.  It's fiction read about a minister who goes on a pilgrimage after losing sight of his faith.  His pilgrimage involves a trip to Italy where he learns about St. Francis of Assisi...and I'll let you take it from there.
  • SheReadsTruth. We dove into 1 & 2 Peter, and are getting geared up for Women of the Bible!  SO pumped for this one.  Join along!
  • Blog once a week.  Let's not talk about it.  You can just scroll down and know that I have not put forth my A game.
  • Grow my Etsy shop.  No and yes, but it's all good!  No because there aren't any officially new items up, but yes because I've been taking on a bunch of custom projects through Etsy.  Some of my faves this month: lots of envelopes, a custom hymn canvas and a totally  hand-lettered wedding invitation suite on super-fun kraft paper! Exhibit A...
June was also chock-full of awesome weddings, friend hangouts, a brand new BABY born to two amazing hometown friends and an unforgettable roadtrip that involved jamming to JT and an unplanned stop at Niagara Falls.  So thankful for all the blessings!
Sending hugs your way! Caitlin

 

june = summer

Hiya friends!

I don't know about you, but I can't believe it is June.  With wedding showers, graduation parties, Mother's Day celebrations and family visits,  May was a super fun month that flew right past me, leaving me in disbelief that we are actually a week into June --- a SUMMER month.  And since summer is my all-time favorite season, I'm welcoming June into my life with a big smile and some lemonade...cheers to June!

I love that the sun isn't setting until after 9pm and that there's a new froyo place dangerously close by.  I love that we went strawberry picking for the second year in a row and came home with more strawberries than we know what to do with.  (Ideas welcome!)  I love that while I'm still too chicken to get into the pool because the water feels really cold, I can read right next to it and know that if I really wanted to, I could jump in.  (Maybe next week.)  Did I mention I love summer?

And before a May reflection gets away from me, here's how I did with last month's goals:

  • Reading 2 books a month. Yes!  I read "Girls in White Dresses" by Jennifer Close and "The Typewriter Girl" by Alison Atlee.  Both were fiction reads about women trying to navigate their early 20 somethings, though in totally different settings.  Neither were favorites, but that's ok.  "Girls in White Dresses"  followed a group of girls as they went through weddings/new jobs/relationships---but I couldn't really get into it.  "The Tyewriter Girl" told the story of a young lady in Victorian England trying to create a path of her own in a culture that strongly discouraged going against the grain.  The main character was a brassy little thang, and while I appreciated that she was true to herself, I wasn't crazy about the storyline.
  • SheReadsTruth.  We completed the Hosea and Nehemiah studies in May!  I can't say enough about starting my day with SheReadsTruth---it's such a blessing!  June started with 1 Peter, and if you'd like to join along, hop on over to the website!
  • Blog once a week.  Nope.  I had a week where I was really on top of it, then let it slide by.  Please don't be mad at me.
  • Grow my Etsy shop.  Yes!  You'll find a canvas print, iPhone cover, bridal shower invite, Matthew 6:21 print and a couple variations of hello notecards all in the Lettered Life Shop!  Woohoo!
Happy JUNE and FRIDAY!
xo, Caitlin

how great thou art

Happy Friday, Friends!

I'm kicking off the weekend with a big smile on my face because today I am SO excited to introduce you to a little something something new to the Lettered Life Shop!  My very first canvas print!

As pictured above, this canvas features lyrics from one of my favorite hymns, How Great Thou Art.  It's so simple and rings very true in my life----sometimes I just look at things and am amazed that God made it happen.  I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, and all I can think is what a creative and loving God we have.  How awesome is He?!  How great Thou art!

For me, it's helpful to surround myself with things that inspire me and bring me closer to God.  That's why I wanted my first canvas to have the chorus of How Great Thou Art, because it's a reminder of how big God is.  And it gives me a chance to praise God each time I see it hanging in our living room.  And I thought maybe you might want a little reminder for your living room, too.  Or bedroom.  Or kitchen.  Or entry way or even you're bathroom---whatever spot calls your name.

So, pop on over to the shop.  You'll find the canvas also comes in peach and navy in addition to the chalkboard color, pictured above!!!  I love how those look as well!

Sending best weekend ever vibes your way.  And this little Carrie Underwood/Vince Gill version, which gives me goosebumps.

xo, Caitlin

 

 

oh happy day!

Hi there!

Today I just wanted to share that this case is available for iPhone 4, 4s, or 5 in the shop!!  I am crazy over how these turned out!  They colors are super bright and there is an awesome gloss to it .  I'm a big fan of slim cases---so this cover is perfect for me, which is why I immediately snapped it on my phone moments after it arrived in the mail.  (Photo for proof!)

For me, it was important to have something that channeled joy.  I take it with me most everywhere, so it should be a positive thing, right?  One of my Making Things Happen friends, Emily Ley (who is actually leads MTH!), talks about the importance of flipping your phone over so that the cover is face up.   Not only do you get to show off your lovely case, but it's a reminder to stay plugged into what's going on around you.  I find I'm way less likely to pick up my phone to scroll my life away when  I'm looking at "Oh Happy Day" and remembering how blessed I am each time I go to pick up my phone.

Hoping you're having one happy day!

xo, Caitlin

hello sunshine (and may goals)

Hiya friends (and May!),

I just wanted to say hello and check-in with my monthly goal progress!  Here we go...  

  • Reading 2 books a month. Yes!  I started with The End of Your Life Book club by Will Schwalbe---a true story about a mother and son who start their own "book club" after they receive the news that the mother has an advanced form of pancreatic cancer.  Knowing how aggressive this cancer moves, the two decide to focus on their favorite hobby: reading.  This book was moving and bittersweet, but the overall theme of choosing to live joyfully despite hard circumstances was so inspiring.  I felt like I was the third member of their club as I read, and I loved that.  And what bookworm doesn't love a story about people who also like to read?!   The second book I finished was Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist.   Shauna is one of my favorite authors, and I had been anticipating this release for months! (Exhibit A) I even recipe tested for the Gaia cookies back in October when she was still in the editing phase of the book---just look at page 284!  This book is a collection of short stories about Shauna's life and the importance of sharing meals with the people you love, with recipes sprinkled throughout.  It's like a memoir-cookbook-inspirational read all in one....and it is wonderful!
  • SheReadsTruth.  We're tackling the intense Hosea!  Hosea can be painful for me to read because Israel wanders from God about a thousand times and it's hard to see God so sad.  BUT God's love is so big that he redeems and redeems and redeems, so the moments of sadness are always replaced with feelings of gratitude for God's compassion, no matter how far we stray!
  • Blog 3 times a week.  Are you as tired of hearing me say I don't blog as much as I'd like to as I am?  It's ok if you are.  I don't blame you.  I'm going to be a little more realistic and adjust this to once a week for May.  Say a prayer for me?!
  • Grow my Etsy shop.   Like the little graphic above?  Want some notecards that say just that?  Good news---I have some up in the shop!  AND I just got some new items in this week that I'm going to take some photos of and add to the shop!!  Canvas prints, anyone?!  Super exciting!
  • Be in the sunshine.  That was a little goal I threw in for April, and yes!  I went for walks and spent more time outdoors, thanks to the fact that Indiana is finally showing signs of spring!  I needed some of that vitamin D.  Cheers to more of it!
I hope your May is off to the best start ever.
lots of love, Caitlin

 

why I run

Dear Friends,

Not sure how yesterday hit you, but for me, it was rough.  Watching the sadness that happened at the Boston Marathon broke my heart.  I hurt for so many people: the victims, the families of the victims, the Bostonians and especially the runners.

I'm obviously not a professional runner, but I do love to run.  I began running when I was 13 and just haven't stopped.  Running has been a very important part of my life, and I'm certain that it's played a huge role in shaping me because of the peace it brings each time I head out the door.  Some days are smoother and faster than others, but every mile logged has given me time to think outdoors that I wouldn't trade for the world.  As my body settles into a pace, my thoughts tend to do so as well---it's a rhythm I love and trust deeply.

People run for a hundred reasons.  They run to keep their body strong and healthy, to relieve stress or to prepare for a race.  They train in groups for a sense of community or alone for a feeling of closeness to God.  People run in honor of other people, for people that can't and for charities.  My reasons are a mix of those, combined with the fact that a lot of times, running just feels like the best prayer I can say.  I feel like I can show God how thankful I am for giving me a body that moves.  It gives me time to talk to Him about whatever is filling my brain.  I get to admire His creation and appreciate the flowers and the trees and every sweet downhill he plants along my route.  I give thanks for the amazing runners who have influence my life, like my grandpa, who loved telling people about how he won gold medals in his age brackets because he was only guy racing in his eighties.

I've run two marathons and several halves thus far.  I remember what it's like to see the 26 mile marker and the finish line a few feet in front of you.  Everything that hurts fades away and any not-so-positive thoughts transform into, "This is happening!  I am here!  This is the best day of my life!" Or it least, it went that way for me.  So when I watch the race unfold yesterday, I ached for all those runners because I didn't want them to miss their big moment, or for those who had already finished, to have that day scarred by such a terrible act.

But, the one thing that reassures me that it will be ok, is also the reason why I run.  Because I know that God is bigger.  And the same God who made it possible for us to run will help us to keep running.  The running community that I know will keep on keepin' on along the sidewalks, mountain trails, and country roads because it's what they do.  The things that call them out of their homes and onto the streets wearing running shoes and Nike shorts will continue to do so with hope and faith, myself included.

"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

Lots of love, Caitlin

 

the thing about light

Happy Saturday, Friends!

Just wanted to share a little quote from Anne Lamott's "Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith" that has stuck with me since reading it last month.  I just love how Anne calls us to shine light back on the people around us.  The quote even goes on to to say that light "gets more from reflectiveness.  If you sit still and take it in, it fills your cup, and then you can give it off yourself."  How beautiful is that?  I don't know how much light is hitting your neck of the woods right now, but since spring is sllllllowwwwwlllyyyy hitting around here, I'm seeing it more and more frequently.  And I love every moment the sun decides to pop out from behind the clouds, as it did the other day when I captured the photo above!  And when this happens, I just want to stop everything and soak up each second of the sunshine, because it feels like it's been too long, and I just want to absorb as much warmth as I can while it's out.

So here I am, soaking up pockets of sunshine.  And here's Anne saying, "'Don't forget it's not just for you!  Shine it back!"  And I love that----love the moment, pass it on.  I just thought I'd pass it on myself.

Wishing you the brightest of weekends, Caitlin

Seizing the Day: Goal Check-In

Hiya friends!

April check-in time! A little late but better than never!  Here's a look at how March went and how well I stuck to some of my monthly goals...

  • Reading 2 books a month. Yes!  Have you read "Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail” by Cheryl Strayed or "The Art of Hearing Heartbeats" by Jan-Philipp Sendker? Both were on my list this month and both I enjoyed!  While they had completely opposite settings (mountainous trail that runs from Mexico to Canada vs.  small town, mid-twentieth-century Burma) they both had themes of finding something that was lost.  The first book told the true story of a woman's adventures on the PCT to find her true self, while the second read more like a fairy tale mystery where the narrator discovers the truth about her father's mysterious past.  Have I enticed you yet?   There's just something about reading a lost and found story that inspires you, right?  I just re-read the Prodigal Son in Luke earlier this week and MAN, how moving is it when we find our way back home to God after straying for a little while? Just a thought! Moving on to...
  • SheReadsTruth. The reflections through Holy Week were such a great way to get in the zone each morning, and made Easter that much sweeter! I started a new plan called Prayer in the Bible last week that will go on a for a few more, so be sure to join along if you're interested! 
  • Blog 3 times a week.  Ay yi yi.  Not so much.  Considering either adjusting this number or making myself make it happen.  Not quite sure what I will do, but next month's posting rate will tell.
  • Go crazy with my Etsy shop.  I haven't added anything new to the shop recently, but I've been doing a lot of custom orders and addressing of wedding envelopes which has kept my plate full!  Making Things Happen was such a great experience and I'm already learning so much about how to align the business to my core, which is a beautiful thing.  I was also introduced to a new printer that may allow me to extend the types of products sold...like this iPhone case  SO FUN!  Hopefully by next month I'll be able to introduce you to a few more offerings.
I'm adding this one to April's goals, so hold me to it!
  • Be outside.  Love the sunshine.  Soak up the new season!

Lots of love,

Caitlin

big dreams and making things happen

Hello hello hello!

I can't really believe it's been almost 2 weeks since I left for North Carolina, but it has, and March is just flying by!  As I mentioned before, I flew out to NC to visit my brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law and attended Making Things Happen!  It was a fantastic trip marked by awesome company, delicious food and a learning experience I will never forget.

While it's hard to share just one part of MTH because the whole experience was so illuminating, I definitely wanted to pass along the above quote.  It's one we talked about at MTH, and I just loved it....namely because it dared me to be honest about my dreams.  I think I underestimated the power of defining specific long-term goals, so actually putting everything down on paper was such an energizing activity.  One of my favorite questions asked to help us clarify our our long-term goals was "Where do you want to be when you are 80?" To be honest, I hadn't really ever thought that far ahead.  I have a vague idea of what I'm eating for lunch.  I've got a to-do list for the week going.  The weekend plans are penciled in, and I even have monthly goals that I've been shooting for.  But where do I want to be when I'm 80?  That question caught me off guard because it's a little out of the scope I typically think about.  But how powerful is that question?  What do you start to picture?  For me, I wanted to be serving God, loving my family, being creative, laughing with people with whom I've formed deep relationships.  And still of course dancing to Beyonce and making chocolate chip cookies for everybody.  And with this vision in mind, I have to think about how well I am currently preparing myself to live that life down the road.  I have to figure out what changes I can make today to get me closer to where I want to be when I'm 80.

If there's anything I can pass along from the weekend, it's to write down those dreams.  Give yourself a little gift of freedom and take ten minutes to think about what you really really want to do with your full-of-possibilities life.  And then think about one little thing you can do TODAY that's going to help you get a step closer, no matter how wild and crazy your dreams are.  Do something little that sets you on a path you're excited to follow!  (I get excited FOR YOU just thinking about it!)  Since being able to make great food for my family is one of my big-dream goals,  a little action step for me today is to find a recipe I can make for a family get-together this weekend, and I'm pretty pumped about it.

Let's do this!

xo, Caitlin

 

influential meetup

Hello hello! As I mentioned in this post, I attended Influence Conference last October and it was fabulous.  Lots of learning, lots of sweet people.  I am loving being a member of the Influence Network, and today there's a linkup to get to know all of the women who have joined the community!   Today we are sharing 3 things about us, 1 thing we have learned using the Network, and 1 photo of ourselves that we absolutely love.

So Influence Network ladies, here's a little about me!

Three Things About Caitlin

1.)  I love love love to read and am so thankful I only live a few miles from our local library!  One of my 2013 goals is to read 2 books a month, so if you have any suggestions, holla at me!  One of my favorite things to learn about people is their favorite book----so please share some of your faves and I'll put them on my list.

2.)  Beyonce is my favorite.  I listen to Beyonce most days.  If I've gone too many days without pumping some of her tunes, I'm a little off-balance.  I once listened to Love on Top about 800 times over the course of running a marathon, and she got me through.  (Chris Tomlin was mixed in there, too.)  She's definitely on my top 5 people I'd love to have over for dinner, so if you see her around, please let her know the invite stands!

3.) My family is the best.  I have a big huge family that I am crazy about.  I wish I could hang out with my siblings every single day and I have 25 best-friend type cousins that can always make me smile.  My parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles have all played huge roles in my life, and I"m really thankful for the influence they've had on me!

1 Thing Learned from the Network

How different we are, how similar we are.  I love seeing all of the different passions and skills in the community: writers, creators, thinkers, encouragers, teachers.  While everyone has a different story, the desire to follow God is the same, and I think that's a very beautiful thing.

A Photo That I Love

From our wedding in August!

So nice to meet you---can't wait to read your posts!

xo, Caitlin

made to happen

Hi Friends!

So March has flown into action, and I'm here to give you the monthly update on my New Year's Resolutions! Those of you who read my January review might remember that I was pretty on top of it during the first month of the year.  February had a whole different pace and set of adventures, so my success rate between goals varies.  I'm ok with this, but would still like to keep up the goal setting and achieving.  And so without further ado, here's a look at how I did in February.

  • Reading 2 books a month.  Check.  As  I mentioned last month, I had started Those Who Save us by Jenna Blum in January and wrapped it up in early February.  Traveling Merices came second by Anne Lamott, and I liked it for a few reasons.  One:  It was a collection of short anecdotes that were easy to dive into as she painted the picture of her own life and faith.  Two: It was a great combo of honesty and humor. I thought Anne did a great job of sharing her bumpy, but refreshing road, and I plan to pick up some more Anne Lamott books in the future.
  • SheReadsTruth.  Check!  I Soul Detoxed and am now reflecting on those meditations for a week before #SheReadsTruth starts its next plan called "Songs of Ascent," covering Psalm 120-134.  I've continued to share verses and thoughts from the daily devotionals on Instagram and Twitter and have loved reading the responses of others!  (Here's a link back to a post about #SheReadsTruth if you are unfamiliar!)
  • Church involvement.  We've met some very sweet couples and have loved some of the Lenten activities at church!  For me, the highlight activity in February was attending two talks by Fr. Leo Patalinghug.  I could write 10 posts on Fr. Leo, but to give you a shorter idea of how great he was, I'll just give you a little information about his background. Prior to becoming a priest, Fr. Leo was a martial arts championship title holder and award-winning break dance choreographer.  He's a Cordon Bleu-trained chef who formed an apostolate called Grace Before Meals, a motion to strengthen families and communities around the dinner table.  And oh yeah, he took on Food Network star Bobby Flay in  Throwdown with Bobby Flay...and beat Bobby Flay.  Fr. Leo was a HOOT to listen to and if you've got some time, be sure to check out Grace Before Meals or this video to see how he's bringing joy to the table!  It's awesome.
  • Blog 3 times a week.  Nope.  But I did have an awesome time spending a few snow days with my cousins, participating in a shopping night for to raise funds for a mission trip through Horizon International fundraiser, and creating some custom designs that I'm excited to share in the near future...all of which I count as positive substitutes!
  • Go crazy with my Etsy shop.   Yes!  I've added some listings and am expanding my product horizons!  I still have a couple more items that I'd love to add and hope to have them up by the end of the week.  My most exciting news regarding the shop will be attending Making Things Happen in a week!!!!! It's a conference designed to "get you fired up and get you on a powerful path to making big things happen in life and in business."  Eeek!  The quote above is one by Lara Casey, a leader of the conference, and just reading it makes me excited!  I can't wait to go and soak up as much as I can, as well as spend some time in North Carolina with my brother and his fiancee!  I'll keep you posted as I prepare!

Sending you warmth and joy!

Caitlin

thoughts from 25

Hey friends,

The other night I was in the kitchen with my husband.  I was drying a piece of Pyrex, and he was putting away some Tupperware and whatever other dishes we had just washed.  We were talking about rent and money and anything else that was on our minds, when the whole context of the situation hit me.  I have a husband.  And we have real dishes and rent and other bills and even some Pyrex that we make dinners (and brownies) in.  And all of a sudden it seemed like I was an adult, and I quite wasn't sure how I got there.  Like all of a sudden five years went by and instead of thinking about whether I should do homework or go to the gym or just watch Oprah with my roommates, I was thinking about money and responsibilities and where on earth we got all that Tupperware.  And while I wouldn't trade one itty bitty little ounce of what my life is right now for time in the past, or for anything else for that matter, I just could not get over the fact that maybe I was growing up a little. Like life had been put on fast forward and in 10 minutes I went from running around God's country (Bloomington, Indiana) to being an adult with real-people chores and work and activities.  And the thought that ran through my head was, "When did this happen?"

And as I'm thinking about this, I'm realizing it wasn't just a few life-changing events that brought me to dish washing in the kitchen with my crazy-sweet husband.  Sure, moving across the country brings some life experiences, as does getting married and having a job.  I didn't really go from a college Caitlin to a semi-adult Caitlin in the blink of an eye, although sometimes it feels that way.  I am this Caitlin, who does what she does and thinks what she thinks, because of a million little happenings that accumulated and brought me to this very moment in time.  Seconds and minutes spent with different people in situations God wanted me to experience so I could become the person He wanted me to be.

I'm not sure if anyone else has these moments of "Oh my gosh, I think I might be an adult," but in case there's anyone else out there who maybe has these thoughts, I just wanted to say hi and don't worry, I do too....let's hang out.  And I think we might be ok, because maybe that's how life is supposed to happen. We get a little older and hopefully gain a little more insight with the days that pass.  We live a life that's full to the brim with more life, and it's hard to realize just how unique and amazing the moments are, until we take a step back and reflect, which we should do often so we're not caught off-guard in our kitchens on a random Friday evening.

So at 25, I'm taking a step back to say two things to both you and to God, who I know is reading this (Hiya!).  The first is, "This adult thing is so good," because I stand in awe of the life that's been given to me and the God/people who have brought me here, amidst the Pyrex and the craziness. The second is, "I'm so thankful," because there's no other way to to express that gratitude I have for being 25. Married, growing, creating, laughing. With a giant loving family and friends who are pure treasure. Memories behind and adventures ahead.  25 is great, no wait, it's the best and I'm so happy to be it right this very moment.

Peace and love,

Caitlin