Seated
September 15th, 2011 § 1 Comment
Day 258
It should be noted that worn, smooth wood, wrought iron and exposed brick make a fabulous combination.
Arts & Crafts
September 13th, 2011 § 1 Comment
Day 256
I’m up to my elbows in DIY projects for an event this weekend. I can’t say that I mind, though. There’s something simply amazing about watching your vision come together just the way you planned.
You, Making An Impact
September 7th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Day 250
I talk about perspective a lot.
How to look at life, perhaps a little differently.
Oftentimes I’m forced to pull the old foot in the mouth move and take some of my own advice. It certainly isn’t the easiest thing to do, but at times, it’s exactly what’s necessary to do.
I was listening to a podcast from a friend’s pastor today and he made a very relevant point – our generation is exposed to more information than any other before us. We have the technology at our hands to get an account of what’s going on across the country and around our world.
But what happens when it’s in your own backyard?
We have been fortunate enough to be spared from the devastating wildfires that swept across the Austin area recently. Many are still not contained.
Throughout the course of the panicked days, we were glued to social networks and the news for updates. We scrambled to put together and pack what we deemed our most valued possessions in case our neighborhood was the next to be evacuated. Hours before, I was complaining about the cost of L’Oreal makeup at my neighborhood Walgreens. When I realized just how trivial it was, I was back in the old take-your-own-advice seat.
For me, this means finding the best way to help out in my community. Donate, volunteer, whatever it takes – I’m on a mission.
What about for you? What impact can you make on someone that could use your help? It’s not about the money, the amount or being the biggest giver. I find it’s the little things that I can do on a more regular basis that bring me more happiness than one large donation or effort ever could. I buy the Breast Cancer Awareness stamps, respond, “Sure,” when a cashier asks me if I’d like to donate to a relief fund or charity when I’m checking out at the gas station or drug store, throw a $5 bill to the Boy Scouts. Instead of going out to lunch or grabbing that extra latte, energy drink or magazine, why not pay it forward?
Shift your perspective.
Shuffle your priorities.
This might mean taking your eyes off the horizon and setting them on the harbor.
I promise you won’t miss the five bucks. In fact, it might be the best money you spend all week.
Seeking Relief
September 6th, 2011 § 2 Comments
Day 249
It’s amazing how something so small can spark and create such a lasting impact. As you may know, Austin and much of central Texas is under attack from several wildfires. The closest they’ve come to us is about 3.5 miles – and let me tell you, that is certainly more than close enough to be very scary. We’ve taken the precautions and packed our belongings, stayed glued to the television and somehow managed to get six hours of sleep. For hundreds of families in the area, it hasn’t been that easy. Homes have been destroyed in a matter of minutes, families evacuated, pets left behind. It’s a time full of uncertainty and so for now, all we can ask is for your prayers and continued support.
Touch
September 1st, 2011 § 2 Comments
Day 244
On any given day, I could probably argue which of the five senses is most important. One look at this picture of beautiful baby girl twins and I bet you know what today’s answer would be.
On The Way Home
August 31st, 2011 § 4 Comments
Day 243
I can’t make this stuff up. Texas skies are simply this amazing. This was taken on another one of those pull over midstream in traffic and get this moments. I believe each evening’s sky is unique and the colors contrasted against this wire fence were just too good to pass up. Look for the little things in life, my friends – they will not disappoint!
Dear New York
August 29th, 2011 § 8 Comments
Day 241
I’m glad Irene didn’t phase you too much. When I heard you were completely closing down and forcing people to leave you, I got a little worried. I trust that by the time I see you, everything will be back to normal. As always, I miss you terribly.
Love,
Caitlin
I’m Hoping
August 25th, 2011 § 1 Comment
Day 236 & 237
..something shiny will distract you from my absence yesterday….
Day Of Rest
August 23rd, 2011 § 1 Comment
Day 234 & 235
Oh my. It seems I have slipped through the cracks and gotten accustomed to this whole posting-two-days-every-other-day thing.
I blame the eggs.
See, I started my weekend off in a very lazy way. I’m sure you wouldn’t call it lazy – you’d probably refer to it as normal. But the thing is, I have a hard time winding down and being “normal.” I’m usually cramming as much as possible into this one precious life. Lately though, I’ve been making an effort to leave more space open to being unplanned, unplugged and unbelievably mellow.
I love the slow routine that is a Saturday morning. Having spent so many years busily rushing off to work on this glorified day, I am still getting used to it serving a purpose other than as another square on the calendar that’s dedicated to my job. I love its sounds – shells cracking, pans frying, the spring of the toaster after the obligatory two minutes my English muffin spends baking to crispy perfection. I love its touch – warm pajamas, bare feet on a cold floor, the grasp of a warm coffee mug. But most of all, I love taking time – just a few seconds, if you will – to recognize and enjoy it.
I was so absorbed by this dreamy soft world that it carried through Sunday and well into the beginning of the week. I suppose it won’t be long ’til I’m getting the itch to go all-out full force crazy Caitlin, but for now, I’m going to relish the rest of this delight like the last few sips of Saturday morning coffee and just go with it.
Weekend Edition
August 21st, 2011 § 1 Comment
Day 232 & 233
The last two days have consisted of leaving the house just for ice cream I can only eat half of a small concrete in one sitting now, what the heck? way too much Diet Coke but it’s only $1 at McDonald’s and it’s over 100 degrees! as little driving myself as possible it’s the thing I hate doing the most.. an entire day depositing into my dwindling sleep bank and watching way too much HBO “Temple Grandin” is a phenomenal movie.
Hope yours was swell!
Take Me There
August 19th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Day 231
On any given day, I can easily rattle off a list of five things I’d like to snap my fingers and have before my eyes. Lately, it’s been more people than things, but in the name of two birds, one stone I’d gladly take this breakfast date I shared with Carrie back in January where we enjoyed a gorgeous meal, great conversation and of course, lots of photography. It was the first time I’d tried muesli and oh my goodness was it amazing. Life-changing. So great I think about it from time to time. You know a meal is good when someone who is far from a foodie lets their mind drift to it every now and then. And if you don’t believe me, you know someone is definitely not a foodie when they don’t try to recreate that amazing dish themselves. Did I mention it was the only time I’ve ever had muesli?
In My Free Time
August 18th, 2011 § 1 Comment
Day 230
My name is Caitlin. I like taking long walks on the beach and laying on my patio for an hour taking pictures of bricks.
