Mindfulness

Far too often, we find ourselves drifting away from the conversation, retreating to the anxieties that compile our lives, our future, our mind.  We get too caught up in planning our futures, our days; and we forget to stop and actively listen to what is going on around us.  When was the last time you went on a walk and silently listened to all the sounds that create the noise that is our lives; seeing the sights that paint the pictures of our memories?
 Mindfulness has been a historical concept carried through the hands of time and through studies is accredited for its benefits. Actively participating in every encounter you are given will allow you to gain an appreciation for life and its experiences which will result in physical and spiritual alterations to perspective and priorities.  So next time you take a walk, enjoy the silence. Soak everything in. 

And check out this awesome infographic that explains more about living in the moment and the benefits of mindfulness! 

Source: unknown

"Be where you are, otherwise you will miss your life." -Buddha 

If you are interested in acquiring more knowledge on mindfulness, we recommend these books:

The Art of Zen by Morihei Ueshiba

Zen and the Art of Happiness by Chris Prentiss 

Shakedown

Well, we had our 1st personal shakedown before our thru hike today. I highly recommend conducting a shakedown before you plan any long distance hike. It’s a great opportunity to inspect all of your gear to see what needs to be replaced and what isn’t necessary. Also, a good time to see if you are missing any important items. I’ve heard of some outfitters offering shakedowns for free. Luckily, I’m from a family of experienced hikers and gearheads so we are all pretty up-to-date on the latest and greatest. 




We all grabbed a tarp and started laying out our gear by compartments. Somehow mine and Stacey’s spilled over to a table and bench. Tuck and Dad had everything organized in a matter of minutes— such backpacking pros!




And well, Luke . . . he took all of 2 seconds to lay out his stuff. Granted he still has some things to purchase. It’s a good thing Trail Days is in a couple weeks!





After everything was out, we took turns sifting through each others things and made some, ahem, recommendations. Such as “Amber, you better get some rain pants and bug spray.” According to Mom AKA Trail Boss, “Maine sounds horrible . . . you cross rivers chest deep and bugs eat you alive.” Sounds like an adventure to me!




After gear inspection we packed up and hit the scale. I’m a bit obsessive about ultralight weight gear. I know some hikers who get annoyed by others obsessing over ounces, buttttt it all adds up!

So here are how the packs weigh in without food and water:
Rick - 22.8 | Amber - 28 | Tucker - 33 | Stacey- 35 | Luke - TBD

We all have a goal to keep our pack around 30 lbs. Stacey and Tuck are making some adjustments to get theirs lighter.





And here they are fully packed minus food! Showing off our love for Osprey! We plan on doing one more shakedown with food in a couple weeks. I’ll post detailed lists of what’s in our packs then!

Artist Spotlight: Jerry Habraken

We live in a time where everyone wants to be a photographer, myself included. Photographers are like the new rockstars in our digital, visual culture. Well, today we want to introduce you to a real photographer rockstar. Meet, Jerry Habraken.

When we decided to do an artist spotlight for the blog, Jerry was one of the first people who came to mind. I have always been in awe of his photos and how they evoke all sorts of raw emotions. You’ll feel struggle, hope, beauty and everything in between. He is a true artist capturing glimpses of history. The way he tells stories from behind the lens continues to stir my soul. I’m so happy he agreed to answer some questions about his work and personal life!

Opal+Wonder: Give us the backstory- how did you discover your calling as a photojournalist? There are so many avenues you can take with photography.

Jerry Habraken: My father is a photojournalist so I started shooting when I was fairly young. I stopped shooting entirely in high school and my first few years of college while I studied music production. After I didn’t feel that was the right path for me I still wanted to do something creative so I gravitated back towards photography.

OW: Do you feel like you have found your photographic niche?

JH: I fell in love with the ability to go places I shouldn’t naturally be in photojournalism gave me. The ability to people watch for a living isn’t a bad gig. Currently as a staff photojournalist at a newspaper I’m not sure if I’ve found my niche. I don’t exactly know where I should be.

Fire, 2014

O+W: How would you describe your photography style?
JH: I don’t have a style. I wish I did, but I’m not at that point yet. I’m trying to work towards that, but I’m sorta just floating at the moment. I generally feel like I’m far from it.

O+W: The creative world can be hard to break into. Do you believe in fallback plans? Did you ever have a plan B? 

JH: I never really had a plan B. I’ll just figure out how to keep making photography work for me.

wood/woods

O+W: As a creative, you are constantly thinking outside the box and trying new ideas. Do you ever hit a wall?What happens when you are in a creative drought?How do you keep yourself inspired?
JH: I’m constantly hitting walls. When I’m in a drought I tend to stop trying so hard. I try to disappear for a while and just live my life. When I’m running around with a camera telling myself to do something weird and unique, it never works. If I stop thinking about it so much and just let it come organically I tend to feel I’m more successful.

O+W: I know you like to spend time with people and swap stories before you photograph them. Any good behind-the-scenes stories you can share with us?
JH: I was driving around town recently and I saw a woman in colorful clothing working outside her house so I pulled my jeep up in front of her house and got out to visit with her. She ended up being super sweet and she talked my ear off. I found out she doesn’t have a phone, doesn’t get the newspaper, no TV, really no outside entertainment other than this giant copy of The Bible in her living room which she reads everyday. She had been widowed for a few years now and she said that since her husband had passed away that the only thing she wanted to do is stay close to the Lord until she can be with him again. She also told me about the time Jesus took her by the hand and gave her a tour of hell. That was a pretty cool story. There’s more on her on my instagram. ​​​

O+W: I can see the wheels turning in your head when I watch you work. What goes through your mind when you're with someone and photographing them?
JH: My main goal is took make people around me feel relaxed and comfortable. I just tend to observe their body language and mannerisms to get a feel of how naturally they are acting around me from the start. From there I like to get them involved in the creative process instead of treating them solely like my subject. I’m usually in a space shooting that their more familiar with than I am so they usually have some interesting insight.

 

Ace, 2013

O+W: Do you take your camera everywhere you go?
JH: No. I guess I have my phone with me if I want to make photos.

O+W: You take hundreds of photos with your iPhone. What are some of your favorite photography apps?
JH: As far as taking photos I just use the camera app that comes with the phone. If I need to tone anything I use an app called snapseed, and when playing around with double exposures, which I’ve done a lot lately I use an app called Blender. That’s really it.

O+W: What’s your best advice for young artists trying to make it in the creative world?
JH: Don’t try to love something you don’t naturally gravitate to. Figure out what really gets you thinking and enjoying work. Practice that craft, style, or method until you feel confident in it. Do what you have to do to pay the bills, but when you’re practicing on your own time have fun.

Hard to Find

OW: Let’s have some fun. Your going on an adventure for several days, what’s in your pack?
JH: Ummmmm, All the boy scout essentials because its been engrained in my mind since I was little. My hammock, a little journal so I can write, my phone for the camera, and almonds.

O+W: I’ve been on several of your micro adventures and had a blast! I’d love to hear about your latest one. Where did you go and what made you want to take one?

JH: I had driven around 2 hours to shoot soccer playoffs for the newspaper only for it to be canceled by a thunderstorm that rolled into town. I was driving back and tired from wasting my time driving when I saw a little farm road off the two-lane highway I was on.The sun was setting on it and all the reflections and colors from the storm were pretty so I decided to drive on it for a while. I saw some colorful landscape and crazy lighting in the distance and it made the trip worth it in the end.

O+W: You have the opportunity to photograph 2 subjects. Who or what would they be?
JH: One, this guy named ‘Red’ I met like a month ago. I shot one of his grandkids for the newspaper randomly a while ago, but every other week or so I stop by at his house to talk to him and try to convince him to let me photograph him. He has a really great face and I’m pretty determined for him to warm up to me enough to shoot him. Every time he says, “Next time you come by I’ll let you take my picture.” Two: It would be pretty cool to have a few minutes with Bruce Springsteen.

O+W: You have a no-obligation day. Walk us through what you would do?
JH: I would catch a soccer game, preferably Liverpool. Go to my favorite place in the entire world, the zoo. Find a forest to explore with my dog. End the day cooking dinner with a beautiful woman, that sounds pretty legit.

O+W: Who is your favorite person?
JH: My Father

O+W: Create us a mini playlist of what you are listening to now.
JH: 

1. Hot Dreams by Timber Timbre

2. Love Letters by Metronomy
3. Salad Days by Mac Demarco
4. Coffee by Sylvan Esso
5. A mix of Bruce Springsteen

O+W: I love your creative heart and blessed to call you my friend. Thank you for taking time to share bits of your life. Any other random things you want to add?
JH: I don’t believe so. Thanks for the opportunity you can keep up with me on my instagram @jerryhabraken to see some projects and stories like the one below at www.jerryhabraken.com.

"I thought I would never smile again," said Rhonda Dolberry. A survivor of breast cancer for 6 years, Dolberry cherishes the subtle things in life now. "I get to pick up my grandchildren later today and that's maybe something I wouldn't have the opportunity to do," said Dolberry.









*All of the photos in this post are taken by Jerry.

Easter with some Thru Hikers

Today has left my heart so happy. Stacey and I got the opportunity to give some stinky thru-hikers a lift today. We love to swap stories with hikers any time we get a chance. We met Craig while shopping at the NOC and picked up Free Man shortly after pulling out of the parking lot. Craig is a 24 year old hipster from San Diego, CA. He told us all about his outer body experiences while meditating in sensory deprivation tanks and how coconut oil is a part of his daily diet. He also told us that his trail name is pending at the moment. "Free Man" is from Maine. He’s 56 and has been living off the grid since 2003. He said that he took to the woods for spiritual reasons. Plus, he didn’t agree with the war in Iraq. He was quiet but his energy and spirit filled our car with positive vibes. We started talking about society and all the hate in the world. He spoke up and said that he thought the world was coming together for the greater good. He said, "I think we are finally getting it." Then Craig chimed in and said “yeah, I think everyone’s awareness of love is heightened.” (how hipster like) It resonated with me to hear someone have faith in humanity. It was interesting to hear the East Coast and West Coast opinions of things.

Free Man & Craig 

Once we got to the top of Newfound Gap we met “Oregon”, “Little Bit” and “Draggin”. Oregon and Little bit were from Portland, OR. They said they were never big hikers before the trail, but Little Bit had been wanting to hike the AT for a while. Oregon was just “tagging along” so he said. They were a cool couple just hiking their own hike and looking forward to taking a zero day in Hot Springs.

Oregon and Little Bit

“Draggin” is from Massachusetts. This is his second time thru hiking. He said his job was coming to an end and he decided to make a positive thing out of a negative thing. He got his trail name from always dragging his butt. Haha. 

Draggin

Can’t wait for our paths to cross on the trail! Hope to see all of you special souls again soon!! 

Free Spirit: Lillie Somerfield

Today’s spotlight is on my best friend and favorite free spirit, Lillie Kate Somerfield. She’s a native of East Tennessee currently enjoying city life in Brooklyn, New York working as a graphic designer at Fresh. I met Lillie when I was 5 years old and we instantly became inseperable. I can remember being drawn to her fearless outlook on life. I called her my “brave” friend for as long as I can remember. It didn’t surprise me a bit when she packed up her life and followed her heart all the way to New York. Growing up with her helped shaped me to be the care-free, creative I am today. She taught me courage by always doing her own thing regardless of what others thought. Not only was she the person who I confided in, went on double dates with, and everything else a best friend is, but she was also my role model. Still is, actually. And I’m so proud and honored to feature her today! So grab an old fashioned or an iced coffee with milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon (2 of her favs) and get comfy. Then read on to learn more about this inspiring free spirit as she talks about her travels, what’s in her fridge and her opinion about today’s youth.

Opal + Wonder: What does a free spirit mean to you? 

Lillie Somerfield: Being uninhibited by what’s expected of you

O+W: What really matters to you?
LS: I think personal and creative fulfillment are very important. But I'm not sure if they are possible... I think the drive to be better can be healthy but I've been thinking lately that the only happiness is what you have right now, because that's all that is real. So being happy and positive in the now is very important to me, something I try to do everyday. I also think that honest love is the most important, always.

O+W: You have a traveling heart. Where all have you been to? Any good stories to share? What did you learn about yourself while trevling?

LS: Ohh I've got the travel bug so hard right now... I've been lucky in my travels thus far. I lived in Paris for a month, I traveled around Greece for a few weeks on a school trip, I've visited California and done a good deal of exploring in the south and east United States. Good stories... well I did have a love affair with a photographer in paris, that was pretty young and fun and stuff, I felt very alive there. I had a lot of spiritual experiences in Greece, the countryside is so pure and lush and old, the whole energy of the country was slow and sweet, everything smelled like orange blossoms. My travels have taught me that I really can do anything I want, and that it's often best to just go with the flow.

Lillie rocking the 70’s in Middle School

O+W: Your style has always been unique ever since middle school. Where does your style inspiration come from? 
LS: My inspiration usually comes from the 60's and 70's. I've been buying a lot of dresses lately and thinking about dying my hair grey for the summer. I mostly shop at vintage stores as cliche as that sounds. I happen to live by a ton of affordable ones and many saturday mornings are filled with digging for treasure. Other than that, I mostly stick to the sale racks at Gap, and asos.com.

O+W: As a creative person, how do you keep your mind stimulated? You seem to keep your creative fire going.
LS: Yes! I've always enjoyed that part of myself. Adventuring is a major part of my diet. I get bored easily and love being somewhere for the first time, that is a major reason why I planted myself in New York. I absolutely love the amount of things you can do on any given day (and lunch breaks in Central Park don't hurt either). I feel so very lucky to be a part of this city at this time in my life. 

O+W: So what are you listening to, watching and reading nowadays? 
LS: As far as entertainment goes, lately I've been listening to ASAP Rocky, The Beatles, Mountain Man, and Little Dragon. I really love old movies, some of my favorites are -- A Woman is a Woman, Annie Hall, Funny Face, and An Affair to Remember. Now that I use public transportation I'm loving the free time I have to read, I've most recently finished Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, The Architecture of Happiness by Alan de Boton, and Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote. My favorite magazine is Lula, and my favorite TV show is GIRLS.

Annnnd for fun . . .

O+W: Name 3 things that are always in your fridge.

LS: Butter, kombucha, chocolate in the freezer

O+W: Are you more of a hunter or gatherer?

LS: Hunter all the way

O+W: Describe your ideal of a perfect day.

LS: Brunch, vintage shopping, laying in the park, eating tacos and icecream with my best friends

O+W: You are filling a box with your 5 favorite things. What’s in the box?

LS: My beau Dan, a fresh strawberry pie baked by my mother, my childhood dog missy, home videos, my bed

O+W: Any other random facts you want to share? Such as your brain dominance, last time you did a cartwheel or your opinion about the youth of today.

LS: haha well I think the youth of today is pretty much like the youth of yesterday, everyone grows up and thinks the kids behind them are nuts, but I think it's really just a reflection of our society changing as a whole.. we're all in this together. But it's not bad, there is so much beauty in what we have today... That it's easy to travel, to learn, to explore ourselves and find our niche, to make things with our hands because it feels most fulfilling even though it's not the quickest path to wealth and stability. We have a lot of freedom to find out how to feed our soul, which I believe is the best investment

I hope this interview put a big wide smile on your face like it did for us! You can connect with these loving Pisces on Facebook + Instagram. Also, checkout some of her work at lilliekate.com. 

Opal + Wonder / New Crop Give-Away part 2

The first round of our Give-Away is over.  

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to enter. And huge congrats to our first lucky winner, Carol Myers! We are very excited for you to try some of our new products and experience love from New Crop! 

Now it’s time for round 2! 

This week we will be giving away our new scent, Drum Circle, a mysterious woody wonder aroma. (May just be my new Opal + Wonder favorite) The winner will also receive a hand embroidered clutch from Thailand tied with a colorful hemp bracelet, courtesy of our friends at New Crop! And more items from Opal + Wonder such as our classic reed diffuser, wax melts and Peacemaker incense. 

See below for all the ways you can enter to win. Also, keep up with our Facebook page for even more ways to increase your chances! 

 *You must like Opal + Wonder and New Crop on Facebook to be eligible. 

Happy Good Friday, folks! 

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Opal + Wonder // New Crop // Give-away

Let’s get this day started shall we? To celebrate a great first year of business, we are hosting FOUR spectatcular GIVE-AWAYS! The prizes will be a combination of products from Opal + Wonder and New Crop. So exciting! 

We were so happy when New Crop agreed to collaborate with us on these awesome give-aways! Aaron and Charmie of New Crop have been living the dream, traveling the world while gathering all sorts of treasures for their shop. They recently came across some amazing hand embroidered clutches in Thailand that we fell in love with. The detailing is spot on and they even have a colorful hemp bracelet tied to it! 

We paired them with some Opal + Wonder goodness to create bundles of happiness for you! So not only will someone get love from Thailand, but each give-away also includes a candle with one of our new scents: Gypsy Soul or Drum Circle! 

There will be a winner announced each week! Don’t miss out! 

Enter below to win : 

Opal + Wonder candle, reed diffuser, incense and wax melts

New Crop's hand embroidered clutch and bracelet from Thailand

And afterwards, check out more items from New Crop here!



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