Story tell-her
The kindred duo carving out a life of love and adventure while telling stories through their camera lens.
Raised on Vancouver Island we were immersed in the wonders of nature. Alongside our older brother and younger sister, we surfed snowflakes in mountain adventures, forged fantasy realms in old growth forests, and ventured through the mesmerizing riverbeds and oceans that were our playground. Our formative years were rooted in these experiences, fostering an unconditional love for the outdoors. Our father's camping escapades added unforgettable memories to our story, while our mother's dedication as an animal advocate and “tree hugger ”instilled in us a reverence for all life forms and a deep respect for the delicate ecological balance. This intimate connection to the natural world is now forever rooted in our beings.
This deep relationship with the natural world gave us a more unhurried cadence, shielded from the rush of highways, concrete jungles, and the relentless pulse of modern society. The slower rhythm of our upbringing harmonized with the pulse of nature and our environment, shaping us into individuals innately connected to the world around us.
“Balancing having two babies in my early 20s while following my heart and passion for travel and photography felt risky and uncertain at times. I knew that by trusting my instincts and living my life with authentic intention, it would pay off.”
As time unfolded, Rebecca's journey took a beautiful turn. At 23 on the island of Maui, Hawaii, she embraced motherhood with the pregnancy of her daughter Anela. Just 18 months later, her heart expanded further as her son, Kayden, joined the family. Her desire and passion for travel grew stronger as she wanted to share the excitement and energy of different cultures and surroundings with them. At a very young age her children were instilled with impermanence and resilience through all their travels and journeys .
Rebeccas curiosity and passion for photography blossomed and quickly turned from a passion to a profession with her obsession of documenting her children and travels as a way to slow down and freeze the fleeting moments. Her photography career. allowed her to sustain her lifestyle and never have to feel like she was never working a day in her life.
“Balancing having two babies in my early 20s while following my heart and passion for travel and photography felt risky and uncertain at times. I knew that by trusting my instincts and living my life with authentic intention, it would pay off. I chose to focus and embrace each present moment in front of me rather than worrying or seeking for salvation in the future.” says Rebecca
Lindsey's journey carried her from Australia to the untamed beauty of Norway. Guided by her connection with a Norwegian man, she and her partner ventured to find space and simplicity. This lead them to buy a sheep farm on the remote western coast. Surrounded by expansive fjords and majestic mountains, they embraced a simple existence in a tranquil community. Coffee shops and department stores were replaced by the soothing rhythm of nature in this remote rural town. Here, they found both solace and adventure amidst the dramatic, ever-changing weather and pristine surf at their doorstep, reminding them of life's exhilarating pulse.
Lindsey remembers it wasn’t always easy... “To be honest I really didn't like it at first, I was isolated, cold, and pretty lonely. But looking back it's because of that I was given the drive and motivation to travel and venture out and build my businesses. This is where the seed for nordic retreats was planted. I thought if I don’t have the community I long for, why not invite them to come see me! It blossomed into something more than I could ever imagine. I believe exactly where you are is exactly where you are supposed to be. IIt didn't make sense in the moment but looking back it was one of the best decisions.
I get overwhelmed in cities and with all my travelling this is the perfect place to land and be grounded.”
In Norway, Lindsey discovered not just a place, but a profound connection to nature and a new way of life. Lindsey became a mother to her beautiful daughter, Lily Summer. She too found her higher purpose, devoting all her love and energy into raising her.
Rebecca and Lindsey's unbreakable bond was connected through their shared passion for photography and travel, allowing to regularly find ways to be together.
Their journeys led them to a serendipitous moment in Stad, Norway, where Lindsey had set down roots. The unspoiled beauty of the rural landscape left Rebecca captivated, igniting a spark of inspiration. From this spark they grew the idea for Nordic Retreats, a place where kindred creative souls could gather and share their love for photography against natures blank canvas. Surfing and yoga added a touch of magic, weaving together a retreat that encouraged self discovery and a deep connection to the world around. Nordic Retreats wasn't just a concept, but a canvas painted with their shared passions, inviting others to join them on a journey of growth and connection among the ebb and flow of the ocean.
The retreats that Rebecca and Lindsey cultivated, burgeoned into a resounding success ~ creating a vibrant tapestry of connections and networks amongst women. Their offerings extended across the globe, from Hawaii to Canada, Mexico, Portugal and Bali, resulting in the remarkable accomplishment of 15 sold out retreats.
The onset of the pandemic unexpectedly brought their retreats to a standstill. This provided a unique opportunity for both to pause and embrace a more grounded existence, deeply rooted in their children's lives. Amid this hiatus, life threw a curveball: Lindsey was diagnosed with breast cancer. With unwavering support, Rebecca and children joined Lindsey, standing by her side throughout this difficult journey to recovery. The experience has become a profound teacher, strengthening the connection to self and enhancing comprehension of life priorities; slow down, relinquish stress and focus on what truly matters.
“Cancer came into my universe unexpectedly, uninvited and aggressive. It was a time in my life where I had no time, my schedule was full, my trips were planned and my 5 year old daughter needed her energetic mother the most. Adventures and my income were swapped for appointments, anxiety, pill popping, and unimaginable emotions.
Life is weird, wild, unpredictable but simultaneously magical and wonderful. I rose and fell a million times over, beat down then built back up, every single day. Our bodies are unbelievable. Something inside had turned against me, but I had the capability of accepting the cure with the opportunity to keeping appreciating my beautiful life. I did not "get" cancer, I was given it; given the opportunity to live or let go. Fighting for life was a shift in priorities and patterns as well as a transformation that could inspire others. My mantras were many, to care for things that do not matter and drop a few things that mattered too much.
Breath deeper, turn up the music and turn down the expectations. Spend more time in water and less time on land. Hold hugs a little longer. Put down the phone, slow down, follow a dream, travel, say how I feel, fight less, and enjoy every minute as if it could the last.”
During Rebecca's stay in Norway, where she homeschooled her children and shared endless hours surfing rustic ocean waves with Lindsey, an inevitable shift occurred. Rebecca and her fiancé chose to embrace a new chapter, bidding farewell to their possessions and relocating to Bali to perpetuate their pursuit of a simple, mindful life. There, they dedicate their days to clean living and the pursuit of health and wellness. Lindsey's triumphant recovery has led her to navigate between Bali and Norway, achieving a delicate equilibrium between the two, a testament to the resilience and beauty that emerges from life's unexpected twists and turns.
“In a world that often values speed and constant motion, my sister and I have discovered the beauty of a slower paced life. Our motto “always go, always come back,” reminds us that the world is our canvas, and every journey enriches our souls. We believe its important to move quietly through life while leaving a big impression. As travelling photographers, we have learned that the inspiration knows no bounds, and our nomadic existence has become our greatest teacher.”
Words and images by Rebecca and Lindsey of Nordic Retreats.