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Chelsea McCarthy

@se_a_sea

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Writer | Connector | Artist

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Last September, I met up with a friend at a sacred watering hole. She had biked there, but when we were ready to leave, her bike suddenly locked up. What followed was a whole debacle. So my daughter and I stayed behind in the water while my baby daddy drove our friend and her bike home.While we waited, wading in the water, I heard someone call out to me. A woman stood at the water’s edge, holding her phone. She said she had driven by, then felt compelled to turn around because the moment (my daughter and me in the water) was so beautiful she couldn’t let it pass without capturing it.She admitted it might seem a little strange, but asked for my number so she could send me the photos.I asked her name. She said, “Destiny.”And just like that, a stranger named Destiny gave me some of the most special photos I have with my daughter, in one of my favorite places on the planet.A day on this earth is a gift. Happy Earth Day. May all of our inconveniences unfold into unexpected beauty, and kind, thoughtful strangers. ✌🏼🌎💧 by @se_a_sea

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3 months ago

Someone recently asked about my pregnancy and I was quick to answer that it was the happiest time of my life. I’m fortunate that I conceived quickly and had a healthy pregnancy and now have a perfect, glorious child.My blessingway was easily one of the most precious weekends of my life. It was truly Chelchella complete with a private ass shaking dance class, sushi bonfire, sacred & ceremonial blessingway (not pictured because it’s sacred, duh), dinner, beach picnic and lots of tears and laughter.I remember feeling like I wanted to be bigger, it’s the only time I can remember wanting to be as large as possible. Looking at these photos, now knowing I gave birth 2 weeks later…I’d say I was pretty large. Loved that era. Also, this originally started as a post to show the hydrangea meets orange meets orchid chandelier I insisted on building but spiraled into this whole nostalgic share. 🍊#blessingway #babyshower #DIY by @se_a_sea

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3 months ago

Time is a trickster.It keeps me on track and is also the greatest source of disillusion.I’m how old?My daughter is how old?I have a daughter?!April 8 was my dad’s birthday.He would be 76 if he were still alive.But time, here, is kind.In my mind, he is forever 67.We only had 27 years together.Nine years now of celebrating the idea of him,celebrating without him.When we see a flashing light,I tell my daughter it’s Papa Michael.Oh, he would love her so much.I’m sad she won’t get the chanceto feel his calloused, oversized hands,to climb all over him and pinch his arms as she falls asleep.Time is strange like that,it sets us free and holds us back in the same breath.I built a fire for him on April 8.It made me think of fires I’ve built,or sat beside.When we’d go white water rafting,he’d tell ghost stories around the fire,waiting for the perfect momentto throw his drink into the flames.They’d surge suddenly, dramaticallyright at the scariest part.(It was probably straight liquor,the way the fire reacted.)I like a good fire.It’s the perfect clock,watching wood turn to smoldering ash,smoking all the way through. by @se_a_sea

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3 months ago

Nothing we create will ever surpass the power that creates us.Stand beside a waterfall and feel the force of thousands of years moving past your body without noticing you exist.Watch a storm form over warm water.Watch land rearranged in a single night.Watch life emerge, multiply, decay, and return again without consultation, without permission.The power never goes out.I’m writing a three part series on power. What it is, how we use it, and who we become when we do. More on @substack by @se_a_sea

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4 months ago

Mirror, mirror on the wall—take your pick or have them all🪞 All linked in my @shopmy I’m not sure how many people are in the market for mirrors but these are all of the niche things I love and I’m having a lot of fun sharing. What else do you want me to round up? I have some boring but practical ideas like travel necessities for toddlers and the best beeswax candles….but I want a challenge! Challenge me. And take a good look in the mirror, America! #DesignTok #FoundOnEtsy #ReelsHome #CuratedFinds #EtsyFinds by @se_a_sea

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6 months ago

All of the #finejewelry I have my eye on via @therealreal Chunky coral necklaces, lapis lazuli, cocktail rings and even a thurible. I don’t really invest in designer bags or shoes because they don’t hold value. But gold and precious stones are forever. Invest like a pirate and get a beautiful jewelry box to house your treasure. All items are linked in my shopmyyyyy. by @se_a_sea

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6 months ago

Welcome to all of the fine jewelry I want on @ebay These are my obsessions, antique gold, slightly unhinged designs, pieces that are one of a kind. Everything here is linked on my @shopmy — a public record of my desire. I’ll do another one of these, next time with a roundup from @therealreal 💎👑💍#antiquejewelryaddiction #finejewelry by @se_a_sea

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7 months ago

It’s a bugs life 🐜🐛🐞#matriarchy #motherhood #nonfiction by @se_a_sea

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7 months ago

I love a single image post. 🌼Photo of the one and only, Emiline.By @tianamariecombes by @se_a_sea

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10 months ago

Emerging after a week offline and off work with one of my dearest @loveinthecracks ♥️ It was fun to be home and off work. I always think when I take time off, that I need to go away. The best week and nervous system reset I could have asked for.Mekdela asks my favorite questions, and on our second day together she asked what I am celebrating. I honestly couldn’t answer, I couldn’t think of anything I am celebrating.After this week together—hiking, swimming, laughing, cooking, walking, dancing, singing…I have much to celebrate. Eternally grateful for this super imperfect and sometimes painful but mostly beautiful life I get to create. ✌🏼 by @se_a_sea

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10 months ago

An ode to Emiline 🦢 by @se_a_sea

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a year ago

Summer, Summer, Summer 🌞1. @yasminemei lilikoi flower candle scape 2. can’t remember but I love the sparkle shorts and stripes 3. @sc103_official woven chaise lounge4. Tankini Top by @fruitybooty 5. Cake by @spolsky.studio 6. ELLE France - April, 1976 Photographed by Peter Knapp by @se_a_sea

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a year ago