The darkness brings a new light

The older I get the darker the world appears to be, but I can't decide if it is my naivety slowly leaving my vision, or if it is our culture spiraling down into a dark hole of despair.  But I find myself fighting, climbing, and scrambling out of the dark hole of despair.  I WANT TO LIVE! I want to breath in new adventure, see a new light, and never lose hope that humanity, at its core, is a compassionate, giving, and loving being. Recently, my family lost a close friend, he was an attorney-some may argue that this is not the most admiral position to be held due to some compromising choices one would have to make in the position, but this man, LIVED.

Photo by: Kris Bible

His presence inspires me to never settle and to always continue to climb the mountain of your dreams, that everything you wish can and will be tangible, if you are willing to sacrifice.  In death, we are reminded that our time is indeed short, and can end at any moment.  Sometimes with death, we are forced to acknowledge and reevaluate our lives, at least I do.  As I get older, I am finding myself creating new bucket lists and I am noticing that my bucket list consists of places and experiences, not things.  It consists of adventure not a social status.     So with all the darkness that is beginning to consume our world, I hope and pray that you see the light in the darkness because the only way to make the sun shine again is if we, as a compassionate humane community, become the light in this dark world.  So, my thought for you, dear readers, is to take unfortunate circumstances and allow those circumstance to motivate you to live!

Also, if you do not have a bucket list, make one!  A small portion of mine is listed below.

Jodi's Bucket List (as of now) :) :
1. Travel to Spain - this also includes participating in the tomato fights and the running of the bulls
2. Skydive
3. Bungee jump the canyons of Utah (which I plan to do in May 2015)
4. Hike the John Muir Trail in California (because let's be honest, I love his writing, and I would consider it a privilege to walk where a man that I hold to close to my heart walked and found inspiration.)
5. See/hike the Rockies.
6. Hike Oregon
7. Thru hike a portion of the AT (which will finally happen next month with my East TN SOBO tribe)
8. Teach English as a Second language in a school in South America
9. Volunteer on organic farms throughout the United States
10. Travel to Germany (that is where my family originates)

Opal+Wonder is now available locally!

Other locations where Opal+Wonder is available:

Wake

Rusty Canvas 

Sailor Studio 

Milagro Midwestern Spa & Collective

Jovana's Boutique 

Duncan &York Modern Market 

NOC

Free Spirit Saturday: Kris Bible

I (Jodi) am happy to introduce our first male Free Spirit, a subjective Scorpio who has become drawn to the idea of simple living. Meet Kris Bible, a 27 year old, young at heart,  adventure-seeker, who was born and raised in Gatlinburg, TN! Gatlingburg is mostly known for Dolly Parton's Dollywood, but is also home to the most beautiful sights to be seen in the East.  The Great Smoky National Park is located at the end of Gatlinburg's downtown stretch.  The park is where this young man has conquered numerous mountain-tops, discovered paths unseen, captured images so beautiful they are indescribable. For the most part, the mountains are responsible for inspiring his various endeavors; the National Park has given him a vision for a life that is far from the norms of our society, but a life that brings a sense of ownership, freedom, and most importantly, happiness.  He envisions a life where we can back to the basics of simple living-being the cultivators of the food that fills our stomachs, the knowledge we acquire in our minds, the comradery of neighborhood, the love the respect we have for each other as individuals.  Most would argue that it is an unobtainable way of life, it is unreasonable...but at one point in time, that was the way of life.  It is quite beautiful to listen to someone speak of such an idea; an idea that appears so primitive to our modern world. 

"Too weird to live, too rare to die." -Hunter S. Thompson 

Opal and Wonder: What is your life motto?

Kris Bible: Difficulty lies in attempting to sum up one's "life motto" into a singular, coherent thought, line, or page; yet one phrase has lead me to being the person I am today..."So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12).  Surprise, I know...a bible verse.  However, this Law has never led me astray.  Never free of pain, heartache, temptation, but filled with many of enhanced every day moments, unbeknownst adventures, and a family larger than blood. 

O+W: Since I know reading is something you do...A LOT.  Lets talk about some of your favorite books (which I am proud I knew!), music and/or movies?

KB: So many good ones to have just one favorite, therefore I forgo my top three of each (listed above) Also, order does not imply favoritism.  

Book:  

The Giver by Lois Lowry

The Electric Kool-aid Acid Test by Hunter S. Thompson

 Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry to Values by Robert M. Pirsig

Movies:

No Impact Man

Seven Pounds

Into the Wild

Music:      
Rising Appalachia
The Doors 
Elephant Revival

O+W: As you discuss your favorite books (because I know you will), what is your favorite quote?


KB: Oh, you thought I was going to rant about 1984?! Hahaha.  My favorite quote?! That's a tough one...probably one of my favorites is from Hunter S. Thompson, "Too weird to live, too rare to die." 


O+W: Tell us your passions.  What matters most to you?


KB: Life.  That's really all that matters to me.  Without life...well, I'm not sure, but it would suck.  When I say, "life," I mean the opportunity to do what you see fit in the situation at hand.  Rather it be to hike a mountain, plant a garden, or go to kick-ass rager party.  Moments.  Life is nothing but an amazingly complicated, constantly changing, brutal, beautiful collections of moments. And it's the ones that are remembered that count.  





O+W: Tell us about how you live your life as a free-spirit, and what it means to you?  

KB: As I have been told by too many co-workers, I do what I want. No matter consequence, conclusion, or odds; if I set my mind on doing something, there’s not much that can stand in my way. To me, that very action defines being a free spirit.  

O+W: What inspired you to start  Chaos Made Sense in late 2013?  What is it about the type of photography you do that makes you want to share it? 

KB:  The only thing I do differently that most photographers do nowadays is I don’t edit. Besides that sharing my photography is a chance to show people how the world looks those eyes that look a little closer than most. There is nothing more powerful, beautiful, and humbling then to capture an image. Not to mention the high you get when some wants, like, or compliments something you hold so dear.

O+W: Describe the projects you are currently tackling?  Why did you decide to learn to build furniture? Or anything for that manner, hobby or genuine interest?  

KB: Ha! I lost count years ago, knowledge, I feel, doesn't sit docile waiting for someone to come find it.  Just like building furniture, photography, sign carving, gardening, and the countless others found me.  I never went looking for them.  The furniture building came from an almost limitless supply of materials: pallets, good-will, and recycling/re-purposing.

O+W: Where does your inspiration for your writings #hopefullywordstothewise come from?

KB: To be honest, #hopefullywordstothewise is my emotional outlet.  I use it as an opportunity to show people what I see is happening, what is wrong,  what is right in in how we live day-to-day.  People, both known and stranger alike, are my muse.  There are a few key players that have inspired me more than others, my favorite to mention  is Joanna Bigham aka J or pusspuss.  


O+W: Haha, thanks for that.  Discuss your philosophy on life. And the pursuit of happiness. Try not to get all political, rant-like :)

KB: Live it. Live it for you. Live it for your loved ones. Live it for your friends. Live it for the people you haven’t yet to meet. Live life as you if one day you will have to balance each moment on a scale of righteous. Make sure you do more good than bad. Not because you might go to “Hell” but because if you don’t then you suck.  

It is always interesting interviewing/writing a piece on someone that you have had the pleasure of knowing, loving, and watching grow during our experiences together.  Thank you again, Kris Bible for allowing me to share your views, humor, hopes, and dreams for your future, as well as others you encounter on this journey through life.  Life is so much more fun with you in it.  

If you would like to connect with Kris 

                                             Facebook: ChaosMadeSense

                                             Instagram: @chaoskris

                                    

   

Opal + Wonder is Taking a Break to Explore

Greetings wild ones!

Stacey and I (Amber) are thrilled to tell you that we are thru hiking the Appalachian Trail this summer! We will be traveling all 2,181 miles southbound - starting in Maine and ending in Georgia. And we can’t wait!

We have so many people ask us: Why? Why leave the comforts of your bed and other luxuries of the modern world behind? Why walk in the woods for 6 months? I have a love/hate feeling towards this question.  There are so many good reasons; but I want to have the perfect answer - An answer that is dwindled down to one raw, real reason. So when someone asks me “why are you hiking the AT?” My reply will inspire them to do something or feel something . . . Strange, I know, but I like to be prepared for those hidden opportunities to change someone’s life. It’s the same scenario as “why are you a vegetarian” or “why do you believe in God”- PRIME OPPORTUNITIES to share what you believe in and to inspire others! That’s what life is about anyway, right? Making connections, building relationships and helping others.
I realize I will always be shaping my “perfect” answer. So for now I’ll make a faithful bullet list of all the many reasons I desire to thru-hike the AT:

• To feel what’s like to live- Today life is so busy, loud and complicated. People have forgotten what it is like a to live a simple life. I’m absolutely guilty of taking the modern lifestyle to the extreme. And although I’ll miss my daily Starbucks, TV shows and unhealthy social media addiction, I think it’s safe to say I am most excited about breaking free from all of it! Limited comfort and technology- just nature, good company and conversations with God!
• To experience self reliance at it’s finest. I am NOT excited about the rain, mosquitoes, hunger pains, blisters, hot days and cold nights. However, I am SUPER excited about overcoming those personal minor triumphs. (fingers crossed) I strive to be a strong individual- physically, spiritually and mentally. I believe that thru hiking will push me to grow and become even stronger.
• To travel on foot! – I mean how cool is that? Walking from Maine to Georgia – not many people can say they have done that. And I have the Wanderlust Disease. I can’t wait for what my own eyes will see!
• To spend 5 solid months with my favorite men – husband, dad, brother and cousin. Oh the stories we will have to tell . . . doing our favorite thing together.
• Because I have to. For me, thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is a calling. I have a strong sense of "I have to do this or else". Once a desire sets up home in my heart, it stays until I turn my dreams into plans. I strongly believe in chasing dreams. Anything is possible if you want something really really bad!

So that’s the long end of why I am thru-hiking the AT. I’ll keep working on the “in a nut shell” version, but knowing myself I’m sure I will just make it longer. :-/


So what does this mean for you?

Well, the shop will be closed for several months, so you better hurry and stock up on O+W goodness! Everything in the shop will be on sale until we run out of inventory. 

As for the blog, we will continue to update it from the trail with the help of our co-author, Jodi, and some special guest writers. We also have some exciting things in the works such as special give-aways and a complete rebrand! So be sure to subscribe to our blog so you never miss a post! 

Looking forward to sharing our adventure with you!

Happy Trails – Amber