Mother’s Day: As Told by the One & Only Mama G

May 13

Guest blog??? Mother’s Day…I remember it as a child as a time when my Mom, Dad, brother and I would go for a walk in the woods with my Mom, because that was her favorite thing to do.  She probably would get flowers and maybe breakfast in bed but mostly we would tramp through the hills of Connecticut.

I was privileged to have four wonderful children, Colin, David, Elizabeth and Caitlin.  I look at families with this many children  and I wonder how do they do it.  There always seems to be so much to do and never enough time.  But strangely enough I don’t remember it that way.  It was incredibly busy, exciting, rewarding, funny and a lot of fun.  Don’t get me wrong there were frustrating times as well but I don’t tend to remember them and I look back at those years more as guiding those lives than parenting.

They are all adults now and I couldn’t be prouder.  They all come back as often as possible and they are starting their own families.  Yep I am a Grandma now.   Love,love, love it. I am so excited to watch them all continue to grow.

Posted in Family, Lifestyle, Personal | 1 Comment »
Growth

May 10

It’s happening every second.

You are experiencing, you are learning, you are growing.

Oftentimes we look for tangible growth. Milestones. I booked another wedding! I got a promotion! I bought another lens! I ran another mile! I got paid! 

These are wonderful and praise worthy in their own light. But perhaps our most important growth is unseen. So the next time you are down on yourself for having “nothing to show” for your efforts, pause and take a second.

It might not appear to be so in your eyes, but you are right where you are supposed to be. I promise you.

Just keep fighting, working on your heart and staying open to opportunity! : )

Lots of love and appreciation,

Caitlin

Posted in Lifestyle, Personal | 1 Comment »
My 100th post: Goals + A Small Giveaway

May 7

Hi all!! How are you this morning? Very well, I hope. I accidentally left an already opened bag of Birthday Cake Oreos in my car overnight and as a result, my car smells amazing. As you can imagine, my week is off to a great start.

For me, it was one of those weekends to truly remember. The kind that stops you dead in your tracks and reminds you of all of your blessings. They’re all around you. Always. It’s not uncommon to grow numb to them and I’m so thankful for those moments that center and ground me in what matters most.

My big sister was in town this past week. It was such a gift to have her back! For those who don’t know, I simply adore my big sister. That’s an understatement. She currently lives in Georgia and now whenever she visits Indy, I swear there is this small buzz that waves over the city of Indianapolis. She is so loved here and every time she is home, she’s so busy visiting with friends and family who are vying for some of her time :) She is a ray of light and the funniest girl I know! We baked a spice cake for my mom’s birthday early last week, ate at BRU burger, laughed, day dreamt about our upcoming family vacation in the Outer Banks and got a lot of family time in. Noah (my nephew) got lots of time in with her Auntie Beth while she was home. Time with Noah always fills my heart right up! There’s something so awesome about seeing Noah with his Uncle Colin and Auntie Beth. Colin can do no wrong in Noah’s eyes. Noah absolutely loves Colin’s heart and playful spirit. Being an Aunt has changed me in the best way. My heart is bigger and younger. Noah reminds us daily that we have so much to be excited for! I am so thankful he is growing up with many Aunts, Uncles, grandparents and friends who love him to pieces. He’s one blessed little guy.

When I was younger and in high school, I remember feeling a little lost and worried about my future. I knew then and now that life is too short to do anything other than something that fires you up every day. To wake up feeling anything less than excited for what you’ll contribute to yourself and the world is a waste. You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.  -Mae West  At the time, I had no particular passions other than family and taking on a positive outlook on life. While these are good and noble, I knew something was missing and by God’s grace and with a heaping dose of faith and courage, I found photography. Photography pieced it all together for me.

This business has been a beautiful and daring adventure. A discovery of my strength and my potential. What I’ve learned is they are limitless and I don’t know about you but that fact excites me to no end! And it goes for everyone. Every person you pass on the street. Every person in your life. YOU. If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves. -Thomas Edison Amen! Take a chance on yourself. You’re so worth it.

Goal setting has been instrumental in my growth – both personally and in my business. This past weekend I ran the Indy Mini Marathon and finished with a Personal Best time. Every time I run I dream a little bigger. I truly love running for that.  There is always that moment 1 mile into running a race where I think, Why? What was I thinking? But pushing through and proving my potential always makes it worthwhile. With every run, I’m stronger and better equipped to take that next step.

Without goals, we are directionless. You can have all of the motivation and aspirations in the world, but without action and clearly defined goals, it takes longer to get to where you want to be.

In light of my 100th post on this pretty little blog that still makes my heart sing, I’m hosting a small giveaway: Comment below and let us know a goal you have for yourself. One you hope to attain by the end of the year. I’ll pick a commenter at random and send you a $10 iTunes gift card and a happy little note. Ends Wednesday, 5/9 at 5 PM EST.

Be remarkable and don’t forget to smile. Life is short.

Much love,

Caitlin

Posted in B, Family, Lifestyle, Personal, Photography | 5 Comments »
Jill + Austin

April 27

I couldn’t think of a better way to start the weekend (because I start mine on Thursdays :) ) than with this sweet couple.

Jill and Austin are wonderful people, inside and out. I struggle because even as I type that it seems like the ultimate understatement. They’re kind, fun loving, joyous, thankful and humble people. They’ve got huge hearts! Jill was so excited to take these photos and I can’t say just how much I love that!  It’s infectious. Taking photos is about having fun. That’s my top priority. We had no problems.

I can’t tell you how many people have already commented on Jill’s hair. Let me just say that I couldn’t stop talking about it during our session. It’s amazing and I have serious hair envy. Doesn’t hurt that Jill is gorgeous. She’ll make a stunning bride next month!

J&A – I feel really blessed to know you. So excited for you to marry next month and I’m honored and excited to capture it all! Thank you for being PURE SUNSHINE. Seriously.

Much love,

Caitlin

 

Posted in Engagement, Lifestyle | 6 Comments »
Where I Need To Be

April 25

And with that, everything comes full circle and lies in perspective before me.

When I speak of “that”, I speak of a sweet note from a perfect stranger. It found it’s way into my inbox this morning – wrapped in a sparkly gold bow and warm wishes for a great week ahead. I read it through sleepy eyes. It made my heart SO HAPPY.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, thoughtfulness completely blows me away. It knocks me off my feet every time.  If you have something nice to say to someone – please, say it. What’s to lose? And what are you waiting for? You’ve got the power to change the day and save the day. So do so.

Know that every single person is fighting his own battle. Be sensitive to that and remember that encouragement and thoughtfulness are some of the best ways to show you care.

As with all professions and walks of life, there is no guidebook. There is no right or wrong way. There is only your way and what you make of each moment. As an artist, I always want to be better. For myself and for my clients. Every morning I ask God to send signs that I’m doing the right thing with my life. Ways I can improve. Sometimes they’re hard to see and some days they’re as bright as the sun.

In this divine tapestry that is my life, I know I am right where I need to be. And I’m thankful for this moment.

Much love, friends. X

Posted in Lifestyle, Personal | 2 Comments »
Adrianne, Michael & Baby Miles

April 5

Happy Thursday! Whole lot of sweetness coming atcha today : )

Remember Adrianne & Michael? I took their maternity photos weeks ago. I loved getting to know them and seeing their excitement for their little guy to arrive. I just remember Adrianne saying more than a couple of times how excited she was to meet him. I always like to ask if the parents have decided on a name. Adrianne & Michael kept baby Allen’s name under wraps until he arrived.

Miles Hawk arrived a little over two weeks ago. He’s perfect. No, truly. Little button nose and squishy cheeks and lips. I was lucky enough to hold Miles and my heart melted as I squeaked near tiny Miles and introduced myself. Hi Miles! My name is Caitlin. You’re pretty perfect, ya know that?!

A, M & Baby M – You are the sweetest little family in town. I’m so happy for you all! Thank you for inviting me in at such a precious time in your lives. It really was an honor and I’m a better person because of you guys…

Lots of love,

Caitlin

Posted in Baby Love, Lifestyle | 6 Comments »
The Prettiest Day in History

March 28

Oh, sister. Where to begin?

Aughh, if we weren’t so much like our mother I would have made a video declaring all of the ways I love and adore you and then shared it here on my blog. But, like mama, I’d end up in tears and no one on the internet needs to see that.

You were born and this world instantly became a happier, warmer, and funnier place. You added sparkle. The brightest kind.

I wasn’t even an idea in Ma + Pappy’s lives and yet somehow, you were already the perfect sister for me. Thank you for making me laugh daily, supporting me without question, being ridiculous and absurd with me, and for fearlessly leading by example. I’m so proud of all that you are and I look forward to all that is ahead for you.

3.28.1983 – Prettiest day in history.

Happy birthday, sis. All my love,

Caity

Posted in B, Lifestyle, Personal, Photography | 4 Comments »
Sarah, Dan + Baby Girl

March 27

I think the term baby currently coincides with springtime. Happy spring! Happy baby season!

Babies everywhere : ) I love babies so I’m not complaining. I’m so excited for Sarah and Dan as they welcome their first next month. A little girl! She couldn’t be in better hands as Sarah and Dan are as sweet as can be. So much fun to hear about baby girl and see their love and excitement.

S, D + babe – Thanks for spending some time with me and letting me in. Photographing maternity makes my heart sing because there’s no time quite like the present for you guys. Your world is about to be rocked in the best way! I couldn’t be happier for you guys.

Hugs,

Caitlin

Special post to come tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Posted in Lifestyle, Maternity | 1 Comment »
The Mornings

March 26

That’s when it hits hardest. I wake up in the morning and I’m ready to go. Maybe it’s the rest or the promise of a bright future. Mornings excite me beyond belief for all of the untapped possibilities.

Last week I stood in my kitchen in my running clothes with a braeburn apple in hand. I crave apples after I’ve run. I don’t know what it is but they hit the spot every time. I grabbed a piece of paper and a hot pink ultra fine sharpie and I began to write. My heart raced a little faster as my paper filled with pink.

When was the last time you wrote it all down? All of those ideas of yours, I mean. In the mornings, my mind races a mile a minute with ideas. Some flighty, some more serious and all spontaneous. It is incredibly refreshing to get them out on paper – if nothing else, to clear up some space in my brain. There is only so much time in a day and while we spend some of that time doing those things we “need” to get done, I find it equally  (if not more) important to use time in our day to try new things. To pick one of those pink scribbles up from my paper and give it a shot.

Because, why not?

On a beautiful Monday like today, I’m inviting you to join me in acting on an idea that previously lived only on a piece of paper. You may have one on your heart that speaks to you now. Or you may have an undiscovered idea waiting to be realized that could bring so much growth and happiness to your life.  Take 10 minutes. Search and act. No action is too small.

What is there to lose?

Loves,

C

Posted in Personal | 1 Comment »
Thankful

March 19

We sat by the fire together. One of my favorite things to do with my mother is just talk. Doesn’t matter where we talk or what about. I find comfort in hearing her voice and knowing she’s there. We talked about everything and nothing all at once and while I don’t remember the context of this particular conversation – I remember one thing my mother said that to this day sticks out like a beacon.

Love is a choice you make every day.

Oh, mom. WHY must you be so awesome and wonderful always?!

I sometimes wonder what I’ll be like at her age. Will I be as selfless and giving as she is? Will I have a glow to me that shines in every thing that I do? Will I have the most amazing long, silver hair that gives MY kids hair envy!?

I can only hope so.

My mom taught me optimism and the power behind choice. I am so thankful for her.

Are you new here? Awesome! Welcome!  I’m Caitlin – currently obsessed with Birthday Cake Oreos and the wonderful life I lead. Below is my mom I speak so highly of and my nephew, Noah. He lights up our life.

I’m really happy you’re here. Get cozy and stay for a while and if you’re feeling wild, drop me a line. I love chatting with new people!

Posted in Lifestyle, Personal | 2 Comments »