Ambition Isn’t Ugly. Regret Is.

Hi Friends,

This week’s newsletter is all about ambition and owning your “big life,” inspired by a powerful quote from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I’m sharing my latest emotional artwork, what I’ve been binge watching, and what song I’ve been listening to on repeat—thanks, Chappell Roan. Plus, exciting updates on my debut novel’s August 21 release and the $500 art giveaway.

Let’s get into it!

♡ Caitlyn

🎨 Title: When I Come Back Down To Earth

This piece was emotional for me. Like many people, I sometimes get caught in a wave of anxiety and my thoughts spiral out of control. It’s hard to find footing in those moments.

This artwork represents what comes after that storm—the calm that settles once panic and stress begin to fade. It’s that feeling of finally coming back down to earth, when you notice the quiet beauty that has always surrounded you, and you allow yourself to rest, just for a moment.

It’s a reminder that even in the darkest spirals, grounding and peace are possible.

Okay, I know I’m really late to the game on this one, but I finally started watching The Bear on Hulu—and I just got to season two.

Wow. What an absolute masterpiece. The writing, the characters, the tension, the comedy—it hits so hard.

As someone who spent many years waiting tables, I especially appreciate how raw and real the show is about working in restaurants—the chaos and the camaraderie. It really resonates.

If you haven’t seen it yet, definitely give it a watch.

I’ve had The Subway by Chappell Roan on repeat lately.

In very my humble opinion, Chappell Roan’s talent is staggering—this girl just writes banger after banger—not an easy task.

If pop music isn’t your thing, that’s totally cool, but Chappell definitely deserves some musical respect.

Crank up Chappell Roan, roll the windows down, and let her hits be the soundtrack to these last golden moments of summer.

Creative Lesson: Ambition Isn’t Ugly. Regret Is.

Here’s the thing: your version of a “big life” doesn’t have to mean red carpets, mansions, or paparazzi flashes.

It could mean starting your own business. Finishing the book you’ve been secretly writing. Running a marathon. Moving to the city you’ve always dreamed about. Learning pottery. Building a farm. Or simply carving out time for the art, the music, the work that makes you feel alive.

The size of your life is measured in how fully you live it—not in how many people are watching.

And here’s the truth no one likes to admit: sometimes, people don’t like ambition. When I saw this Maisel clip on Instagram, even the comments were full of: “This girl is privileged and doesn’t know what she’s talking about.” Stepping out of the comfort zone can be a lot like crabs in a bucket—one tries to climb out, and the others claw to pull it back in.

I’m way out of my comfort zone right now, writing and promoting my debut novel. I’ve never done anything like this before. And just yesterday, I got several hateful messages from people who didn’t like a silly promotional video I made to try to get my book out there. I don’t even know what I’m doing 😂.

But here’s the thing—I’m trying. That I’m proud of.

Whatever your “big” looks like, stop waiting by the window. Open the door. Even if someone says you can’t—especially if someone says you can’t.

Ambition isn’t ugly. Regret is.

Lately, life has been all about my book release—August 21st is just around the corner! Ahhh, the excitement (and nerves) are real.

But in between all the book stuff, we’re soaking up the sunshine and enjoying some hands-on progress. My husband, Nick, and I got the metal roof on our new building this past weekend! Now it’s just the floor on my office side to go, and then I’ll finally have a brand-new art studio and workspace. I’m so excited to share updates as it comes together.

We’ve also been seeing tons of wildlife lately—owls included. When you read my novel, you’ll know just how special and significant that is. It feels like little signs that everything is aligning.

My debut novel—and the audiobook—launch in just over a week on August 21st!

To celebrate, I’m giving away up to $500 in art prints to two lucky winners. It’s easy to enter: just order my book, One Red Arrow, Part I, send me your proof of purchase, and you’ll be in the drawing.

Below is a little teaser—a video I captured of a strange symbol on our property 😉. Want to solve the mystery? You’ll have to read or listen to the book to find out what it means.

Thank you all so much for your incredible support. As an independent author and publisher, every order, share, and review means the world to me and helps get the story out there.

cult.class

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To keep up with demand (and keep things manageable on my end), I’ve made a change to how print releases work.

Now I only release one featured original piece every few days—just 5 prints per size. Once they sell out, they’re gone.

Today’s print selection is my original art, "Live Long and Prosper", available now.