So, I've been following Moorea since college and she's been working her bum off on projects the entire time I've been a fan. Whether it's her jewelry line or blogging, opening up a shop or even publishing a book.. this girl's energy and dedication to her ideas is unparalleled and completely awe inspiring. When she first started putting out her 52 lists a few years back, I loved the idea and her styling of each list at the end of every week. Watching her hone in on this project and figure out ways to further learn about herself was really enlightening. We got a chance to meet in real life this summer when I visited Seattle, I got to see her lovely shop that I'd been following and selling my cases in since it opened last year!
Something else that's really special about Moorea Seal (the shop & the girl) is that her company has helped mine grow a LOT over the past year and a half. Moorea started selling my cases in the winter of 2013 and since then, we grew together selling them to people all over the world! It was my first experience selling at a bigger level and collaborating with a brand to make new designs. Her company took my cases and showed them to the world. It's been amazing to watch them grow and to learn what the process looked like on a larger scale. Her story is really special to my company and I so I've been just delighted to see her move into publishing!
On to the book! Moorea found an interesting theme when she started thinking about the process of making lists, she started to realize she could find out more information about herself when looking at specific collections of thoughts, idea, wishes and memories. Moorea began using lists as a tool for self-discovery and exploration. The book consists of 52 prompts of lists separated by seasons. The reader/lister is to work on one every week and at the end of each list lies a few reflection notes that can help you see patterns or insight within the lists. Sometimes, they can even promote new ideas or vision in your life. I've only worked on a few lists but already I've been enlightened!
Having a shop really keeps me in one place (or so I thought) because managing it takes a large chunk of my mind and money. I've loved having the shop but I've been really sad that I haven't gotten the opportunity to travel outside of the states yet. I'm a firm believer in the idea that the experiences you have create wisdom and truthfully, I feel almost shameful not having collected experiences across borders and oceans. I decided to fill out this list first because I'm in love with travel. List your favorite places you have been. I started writing out places and a few parts of those places that spark memories. Looking over my list, I realized I've gotten to take a lot of trips and see a lot of places. I know I adventure often but for some reason, traveling in the states hasn't felt like "real" traveling to me until I looked at this list. I'm super happy I've been able to visit these towns and cities and let the experiences with people and the places mold me into who I am, occasionally helping to clarify what I want. I felt really awakened to it, actually. I've been excited to work through this book over the next several months to see what else I can find out!
GIVEAWAY!
If you're interested in winning a book of your own and since you read through all of this delectable post.. leave a comment telling me a favorite place you love to visit within the country that you live. Leaving a comment here is worth 5 entries! I'll also be posting about this on my instagram but comments on there will only be worth one!
FInal notes- Be sure to follow Moorea on her social media networks! Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Instagram / Blog
Giveaway will be closed on WEDNESDAY Sept 30th. Good luck!
One of my favorite places to visit so far is Boone, North Carolina. I'm a bit mountains person, so being in downtown Boone makes me feel like I'm in this hidden gem of a little town in the middle of the mountains. The area was where a lot of European artists fled to during WWII, so it def has a hippy/artsy vibe. The art department for the Appalachian University is in the middle of the downtown, and along the streets there are little shops filled with crafty and curious things. There's also this little pizza shop that makes really good pizza. During the holiday season all the shops decorate and a lot of them have Christmas lights in their shop windows. You can see everyone all bundled up walking and going in and out of buildings. One of my favorite traditions whenever I go is to stop at this old country store on the side of the road. They sell boiled peanuts and all kinds of homemade old fashioned country food items. I always get the flavored honey sticks. They area also has different locations where you can get to the top of the nearby mountains. The views are pretty amazing.
ReplyDeleteThis place sounds so enchanting! thanks for sharing, Cristina!
DeleteI love traveling to different places and visiting friends, however one of my all time favorite places to visit is Charleston, SC. I love the beach areas and the shopping, dining, and night life. I love it all.
ReplyDeleteCharleston is such a wonderful place, I totally agree! Thanks for commenting <3
DeleteSeattle has to be at the top of my favorite cities. As a coffee lover, there is always quaint coffee shops. The food is unique, the atmosphere is inviting and edgy, the sites are intriguing, and people are friendly. There's always something to do in Seattle. So much beauty and so many places to explore and things to experience.
ReplyDeleteSavannah, you're so right. Seattle is such a neat place, so much good food and beautiful landscapes! I adored the place!
DeleteI may be biased because I live here, but San Francisco is one of my favorite cities in the States. There is so much beauty, history, and authenticity here. I love that there is always more to explore.
ReplyDeleteI definitely need to visit San Francisco! I havent been to California yet and I cant really believe that but I hear SO much good talk about the city! thanks for commenting :)
DeleteHm... One of my favorite places to visit is the San Juan Islands here in Washington.. BUT, that being said, there are lots of places I would still like to spend more time that might be my favorite if I got to actually go there or invest more time. Another favorite spot is Joshua Tree National Park in California. <3 I'd love to explore more of the SW desert (including the white sands monument in New Mexico) as well as more of the western wildness of the US. I consider myself a pretty well-traveled person, but I've never even been to the most northeastern tip of the US! So much still left to see.
ReplyDeleteSonja, you are a princess and I miss you. Those islands sound devine! were they the ones you told me about? You must go back to Joshua Tree and take a FEW camera so you can shoot all film without the worries of losing imagery again. <3 thanks for commenting :)
DeleteI love lists and answering questions about myself because their an adventure. I make lists not only for things that need to get done but even once and awhile I'll post "facts about me" to instagram. It's a really fun way to connect with yourself and others! I'm a caregiver for my grandmother and as dementia struck her lists help both of us day to day. Asking quick questions to her about herself jogs her memory and takes her to happy times (when she remembers ;) ) As we live in Wisconsin books and conversation keep us going in the cold days. Asking yourself questions is an adventure and connects your body, soul, and mind. I love being able to do that with my grandmother (who adopted me when I was 2) as she progresses. I find out all of these things we have in common I never knew.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful story, Meghan! sending you and your grandmother the best vibes this winter! :)
DeleteOne of my favorite places to visit is the beach. Any beach, just to be able to hear the water. Its so calming and it sends me to a peaceful place. It reminds me of being out to sea, something I miss very much!
ReplyDeleteYou should take a trip soon and spend some time on the water, for you! thanks for commenting :)
DeleteI love to visit small mountain towns in the Shenandoah! I love the intimacy the geography creates, not to mention the views! It feels like time slows down in places like that
ReplyDeleteugh, i know exactly what you are talking about and those little places seem to be stuck in another time. Or another universe where just living life is enough. I long for simplicity like that sometimes. The views probably help to, seeing how small each of us really is has to be humbling and enlightening. thanks for commenting, Carlie :)
DeleteMy favorite place to visit (but I haven't been there since I was very young) is a lake in Northern Michigan called Mullet Lake. That place is filled with so many beautiful childhood memories of running around the little community wearing only a bathing suit, riding a jet ski for the first time, having my first existential "what is life" thoughts, making friends, sitting around the campfire and learning that my family is broken. I have sweet memories of my grandfather there who has since passed - so he lives on there for me. I would love to go back and visit the crisp non-humid air with the chilly water and the cool summer nights where you can wear pants around the fire. The part of the lake I loved is in a little town called Cheboygan that is a tad historic and famous for it's wall-eye fish.
ReplyDeleteChelsea, this really resonates with me! every summer while I was a kid, I spent in the north woods of Wisconsin in a take town called Land o' lakes (no joke!) I had many similar experiences and think about my life then fondly. Ti shaped me into the woman I am now and I am nothing short of grateful for those moments and lessons learned. Thanks for sharing, reading this was really special to me. -K
DeleteI love to visit Nags Head, North Carolina. My family has taken us every year since we were kids and now that we are older we still manage to make it a tradition. It is such a nostalgic place. I have been there more times than I can count but every time still feels like the first. It's full on happiness.
ReplyDeleteNags Head is such a good little adventure spot in the summer with friends or family! I've spent a handful of summers riding awkward bikes around there and getting sun burned! Thanks for sharing! :)
DeleteMy favorite place to visit is the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. I love renting a cabin out there in the Fall. Waking up to crisp mornings in the mountains is always delightful.
ReplyDeleteheck yeah, I need to spend some chilly time in the woods this autumn! <3
DeleteI love to visit Asheville. The food, shops, and mountain views are so great to take in.
ReplyDeleteAsheville is a great city, i completely agree! So much good food and so much fun vintage! - k
DeleteOne of my favorite places to visit here in the US is a town in Michigan called New Buffalo. My family has been going there during the summer for a week or two since as long as I can remember and it has always been such a peaceful and relaxing experience. I have always treasured my visits there.
ReplyDeleteMolly Klug
Molly.klug@yahoo.com
Thanks for your comment, I have read a few posts about childhood summer vacations being favorite travel memories. I completely agree! My little town was called Land O' Lakes in Wisconsin :)
DeleteSullivan’s Island, South Carolina! I'm a Charleston local and all my years in living here Sullivan’s hasn't changed. Last week I met an older gentleman on the beach at Sullivan’s and he said growing up we would always come here for summers and as I look around not much has changed in sixty years! I think that is so special, now days I feel like wherever there’s land or space people just build and that hasn't happened here. I hope it stays that way; I’d love for my kids in the future to see what I see now. Sullivan’s has that classic beach vibe, the best beach houses, yummy little restaurants and my favorite beach. My favorite spot is at the very end of the island. There are rocks scattered on the beach to climb, views of the harbor, historical downtown Charleston, and you will always see a dolphin (I think it there hang out spot). Two months ago my fiancée proposed to me there, which has made it even more special. It’s a beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteKelsey Lewis (instagram: kelsey_lewis7)
Kelsey! I love this story and that little town sounds simply magical! I MUST visit someday! thanks for the comment and congrats! :)
DeleteOut of the places I have visited thus far here in the US of A, I would have to say my favorite is the Redwood National Park. Whilst wandering about that enchanting forest, I seriously felt like Ferngully. Those trees are so incredibly massive and majestic, it is unreal. It gave me just a small (no pun intended) taste of how minuscule I really am in this big 'ole world, and I am really am quite grateful for having had that kind of experience.
ReplyDeleteSheena O'Keefe
sokee003@gmail.com
instagram: sdokee
Sheena, I'm envious of that adventure! I really want to make it out to see the redwoods soon, this is just the push I need to work towards it. Thanks for commenting! :)
DeleteI live in a pretty magical place-- Whitefish, Montana. So, I love to visit cities-- Seattle is one of my favorite places to go, because you can feel so easily like a local while visiting. I have a wonderful time eating fresh seafood and enjoying time with my friends who live there.
ReplyDeleteColette
instagram: @colettegabrielle
colette.maddock@gmail.com
Whitefish, Montana, eh? I might have to put it on my 'places to visit' list! Seattle is magical, I agree! Thanks for commenting <3!
DeleteI grew up in a small, mid-western town and couldn't wait to move anywhere but there. Now that I've grown up and traveled around the country (and world!), I absolutely love visiting my hometown of Alliance, Ohio. Of course I love seeing my family and familiar faces around town, but the small-town charm and the family-owned bars and restaurants settled in the middle of a pretty nowhere always makes me smile ear to ear.
ReplyDeleteinstagram: @fairviewplace