How It Started.. Melissa’s Story
Hi!
Getting formalities out of the way. I’m Melissa. I’m married and have two great kids. I consider myself a bit more than being a wife and mom though. I’m a creative thinker, problem solver, diy’er, adventure seeker, travel enthusiast, and love all things outdoors. You will see a bit of these qualities come across our page.
I am native to New England having grown up between New Hampshire and Massachusetts. I gravitate towards learning other cultures so I received my Bachelor’s in East Asian Studies with a minor in Spanish. I went to college in Arizona and did a year study abroad in China. Needless to say, I’ve been around a bit.
I got married and started my family in Massachusetts. My husband and I longed for many years to find our dream home and community though. We contemplated a few avenues, but during the COVID-19 pandemic we made a choice to relocate to Maine. I had never lived in Maine, and honestly never visited much, but my husband grew up in the state. Our decision to move to Maine was part wanting to live closer to family (the grandparents are quite a blessing to us) and wanting a more outdoorsy and rural life. The biggest surprise to me was how much I fell in love with this state and its people.
I vividly recall how constantly surprised I was by the amount of classroom birthday invitations we received our first year here when my oldest was in elementary school at the time. Not so much by the number we received, but the fact we were invited at all. In my prior home, it was as if everyone had their friends and there was no room for anyone else. I was not upset to be leaving a community, that even after 5 years, felt I didn’t belong. Don’t get me wrong, I hear all you Mainers think, well that’s Massh***s for ya. In fairness, I have wonderful family and friends who are honest good people. I just had not established a community where I was living with people my age and stage of life I was in.
It was a culmination of moving to a new community, post-pandemic isolation, and having an outgoing son that I was desperate to build this village around me. Kaylin and I’s oldests were in class together and became fast friends. After a few months into the school year I reached out to Kaylin for a playdate at the local playground. We hit it off and synced up right away. I can’t tell you what it is. I innately trusted her and knew I could share things. I had found someone who became my best friend.
Probably one of the things that worked out so well is that she is equally up to an adventure as much as I am. Even with the kids. We started doing a lot of things with the kids together. Going to this beach, eating at this spot, going on a hike there, and checking out new places in between. It is through all this that we came up with the idea for The Maine Explorers. I hope that we inspire you. Through our adventures, our families, our friendship, and our beloved state.
Thank you for being here!
Melissa
