Michele Lee Sefton's Blog, page 15

Surrounded by stories (w/audio)

I’ve been thinking that I should set up my own soundproof recording studio, with a proper microphone versus my cell phone, and save myself the time of driving to the library. I do see myself doing this at some point this year, but I am in no rush because my own space doesn’t require me to walk through a sidewalk area lined with trees, sometimes with golden leaves underneath. Staying in my own space versus walking to a public Studio Space, doesn’t give me the view of a flock of birds flying overhead and people going this way and that. Some in a hurry, others not. If I remained in my own space, I wouldn’t see a gathering of men, standing in a circle, talking to each other outside a tall building. Based on their attire – jeans, not business casual – they must be on break from the nearby university satellite campus and not one of the more formal business locations nearby.

If I never left my room, I wouldn’t see the same two ladies, that I see with each library visit, sitting to the right of a JW sign (Jehovah Witness) – just enough distance from the government building to keep their sharing legal, I assume. It appears that they are more focused on each other than anyone else who might walk by. I am sure if I approached them and inquired, they would tell me more, but I won’t. I just notice their well-made warm dresses and their touches of stylish flair, like the fancy hats that one of them wears and smile at the fun they seem to be having with each other. I would not have seen the two moms talking to each other with young kids zipping around, energized by story time. Next stop, home for a snack and a nap. Does sound rather nice…

If I recorded in my own studio space I would miss saying hello to the library greeter, never the same person, though usually a young woman who greets with a smile. I wouldn’t see all the books for sale at the entrance, changed out frequently, and the constant reminder to myself to not look! I already have so much to read, and I’ve run out of room for more books. I would miss the opportunity to buy a hot coffee at the cozy library café, a cup of warmth offered to another, on the way back to my car. Free parking with a limit of two hours. A hood covered with fallen leaves marks time’s passing.

My own soundproof space, I will get to it; but for now, I am in no rush.

Thank you for visiting! For the hearing impaired, my audio starts with a hello and brief intro about returning to the library recording space after the holidays. The included text follows. In addition to the technical stuff, I am working on just talking vs. reading a poem, poetic prose, or reciting in front of a camera or audience. I enjoy all of the above including the challenge of recitation, but I am giving my casual conversational voice a go. Sounds simple but speaking solo into a microphone is anything but that. A work in progress – me and my voice. The journey has its own rewards and sometimes that includes a yummy treat. Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday! Michele

my cell photos: library cafe window / library visit car selfie

2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Just a quiet poet

It has taken some effort
and a strong desire to transform,
but I think I’ve finally burned off
unsettling adrenaline,
ignited as a child
living through tumultuous times,
further stoked as an adult,
caught in a cycle of rushing,
toward everyone’s needs–
losing sight of my own.

An evolution unfolding
through thousands
of meditative moments
and poetic lines;
layers upon layers
peeled–
sometimes gently,
like a pastel morning,
other times harshly,
like a forgotten band aide
that had become a second skin,
securely formed.

In the peaceful quiet
and through the noise of painful processing,
I have finally found
a pace and voice
that are uniquely mine.

A personal flame, once vulnerable
to the slightest breeze,
now growing strong within me–
keeping me warm,
while my peacemaking garment,
given to me at birth,
dissolves slowly into the rich earth.

Thank you for visiting and reading. Wishing you a warm and wonderful weekend. Michele

my photos of the Pacific Ocean, a quiet spot by a flowing river, and a white rose, taken in Oregon

2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Discovering my roots

Just beyond the long shadows of winter, with their muted stirrings and shivering revelations, the light of rebirth is glowing.

Discovering my roots has been revealing and rewarding over the last several months, both in traveling to countries where my ancestors came from and watching my own silver grow more brilliant each day. [image error] September of 2023 marks the last time I sat in a beautician’s chair. A topic with many thoughts that I will pour into a personal narrative someday soon, perhaps when I schedule a trim, to tidy up the split ends. Until then, I will continue to welcome the natural and save my money for travel.

Thank you for visiting! Michele

my photos from the interior and exterior of Kylemore Abbey, Galway, Ireland are submitted for “Monday Window” / cellphone window selfie

2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Soft opening

Some weeks need a soft opening. A tender unfolding that eases us into what awaits us. A soft layering that subdues doubt, slows rushing, and settles the mind. Armor of a different kind.

Thank you for stopping by. Wishing you a wonderful week ahead. [image error] Michele

my Oregon pink rose photos submitted for Cee’s Flower of the Day FOTD

2019-2025 myinspiredlife

An egret-full event

One alone would have caused me to squeeze my bike’s hand breaks and take in the scene, but what I noticed nearly knocked me over. Just over four weeks ago, while passing one of the manmade city lakes I pass during my morning ride, I saw a beautiful white egret, lakeside. An uncommon sight: a winged visitor stopping for a drink I thought. Discovering that the egret was not alone, overwhelmed me with emotion and celebration, like a child on Christmas morning. After scanning the area, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I counted a total of ten, along the lake and in a nearby tree. Ten! I didn’t want to leave, but I had to get going. In hopes of seeing them again the next morning, I brought my “real” camera, tucked in my backpack, ready for whatever I might find.

What I found felt like heaven had descended on the small lake and the weary travelers kept arriving over the next several days. Resting their wings, guided by incredible tracking systems; a heartwarming gathering to witness. Not just the beautiful birds but the fellow humans who stopped to take notice. Some on foot, some in cars, briefly parked along the side of the road, and a few other riders who happened to glance up at just the right time. Not crowds of people, just a few here and there. Perfect. Altogether, less of them than the gathering of birds. All of us, enjoying nature moments during a few early mornings in December. I spoke with a few people as the days went by. Smiling and acknowledging with a giddiness that was refreshing. I may never see any of those fellow bird admirers again, but for a short time we shared a connection.

As joyful as the egrets’ rest stop was, I suspected it was temporary and braced myself for their departure. In tune with their preflight preparations, I said my goodbyes one morning. Through tears flowing, I thanked the birds for their presence and wished them well on their continued voyage. I was grateful for the chance to say goodbye and was reminded of life’s constant lesson of letting go. A few days later, I saw only one. I worried about the solo bird and hoped he/she would be alright. The next morning, ducks were the only birds in sight.

Thank you for visiting and reading! I also want to extend a glowing thank you to Mary K. Doyle, author, blogger, photographer, and ever inspiring person at midwestmary.com for reviewing my two novellas recently. Words fall short of conveying how grateful I am to her and her gracious readers for taking the time to support my creative efforts. I hope that she and her readers feel my gratitude. Please visit Mary’s site to read her reviews of Coastal Cottage and Honeysuckle Heat. Cover designs by Sammi Lee.

Speaking of my artist daughter… she has me adding extra mom prayers to my week, arriving in LA for work a few days before the terrible and tragic fires broke out. Heartbreaking scenarios, testing individual and community resolve, and of course animals have been impacted too. My daughter is safe and for that and her independent strength, I count my blessings.

my egret photos (December 2024) / my car selfie just after dance class two days ago

2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Brilliant Burst

Through the darkness
I know my way
around the tripping hazards
and the jagged corners
I know what it’s like
to feel the force of stones
thrown by others
who use the cover
of shadows
to whisper hostility
almost slipping me
into oblivion a few times

I’ve learned to
            cultivate courage
            listen to more than words
            protect my wellspring of love
            hone my inner guidance
            and focus my eyes
            on slivers of light
            steadfast guides reaching through the night

My own heavy breathing
fueled by strong legs
churning and burning
and a pure heart
fiercely beating
is a sweet sound

amplified
by a brilliant
light

Thank you for reading! Work is calling. Warm regards. Michele

my morning bathroom capture / woman running toward light by Petar Paunchev

2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Creative Community (invitation)

“The most regretful people on earth are those who felt the call to creative work, who felt their own creative power restive and uprising, and gave to it neither power nor time.”
― Mary Oliver

Today will mark the first Creative Call of 2025. Join me and other creative spirits as we share our creative goals for the new year (10 AM Pacific Standard Time). With sharing and community building as the focus, the once-a-month gatherings, which might be during lunch hour for some of you, is a casual round table type discussion with me as your encouraging facilitator. We have room for a few more! If you’re interested, please email me through my contact page posthaste and I will send you the zoom link. I am extending a special invitation to those who might be new to creative pursuits or blogging, who might benefit from a friendly boost at the start of the year.

P.S. Creative pursuits are not exclusive to writing… the possibilities are limitless. Maybe you want to learn how to ride a unicycle this year and would like to share with others who will support you on your journey.

featured photo of woman blowing colorful bubbles by alphaspirit.it / my photo of made in Mexico handstitched colorful creations (blue one a gift to my cousin for hosting me at her place a few weeks ago)

2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Golden gifts, graciously sent

Hope the holidays gave you everything you were needing~

rest, gifts, delicious treats, sleep, precious time with family and friends

To ensure that you’re properly set for new beginnings
Mother Nature is graciously offering:

Priceless gold for mending what’s broken
Life-affirming ripples
Flexibility during turbulent winds
Some prickly for a strong defense
A heavenly scent and pop of vibrant
A little pep for your step

Take what’s needed
and leave the rest
better than you found them
is her only request

Thanks for stopping by. Wishing you a pleasant week ahead. Back to work week. Kind regards. Michele

my Sonoran Desert photos

2019-2025 myinspiredlife

A sky trio (one soars and two spin)

From the dark and dense
it did fly

Crisscrossed branches
woven tight
left no slivers
for the cornflower sky

In complete stillness
it prepared itself
for survival

Its call,
a deep lament
for all that is disappearing

sent desert mice
scurrying
and paused the
hurrying
of modern mystics

still able
to hear the wild cry


            no trace of a breeze

            what moves the branches and leaves

an owl,
whose ancestors flew above dinosaurs,
disturbed its securely stitched
protection

last seen soaring
toward the heavens

Thank you for stopping by! Although I heard the owl, I was not able to capture a photo of the bird of prey that inspired this poem. The photo I added, taken by Evelyn D. Harrison, is the type of owl I heard – a Great Horned Owl. I took the Waxing Crescent and Venus photo an hour after the owl sighting. It has been a lovely evening for a moon meditation and new year contemplation, with a bit of wisdom dropping in. Whatever time of day this post finds you, it’s not too late to join me! Warm regards from a cool desert evening. Michele

If interested, here is an interesting article about owls from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a lovely outdoor destination in Southern Arizona (not during the summer, of course).

2019-2025 myinspiredlife

A fiery finish and fresh start

Dancing by the fire,
releasing to the night.
A new year revealed
in the morning light.

Smoke from fireworks
making a false mist –
startling Sonoran animals
and disturbing
the chill vibe
of a desert night.

Flames, blazing at midnight
fold into red hot coals –
faint smoke trails
accentuate the morning.

Mother Nature’s lungs
breathing steadily and deeply,
to transform a night
of explosions.

My rum cupcakes and the cute toppers were a New Year’s Eve hit – a gift given to me by Cheryl L. Wright, the author of Swimming with Alligators – How to Recognize Narcissistic Abuse, Break Unhealthy Bonds, and Unlock True Empowerment, for dancing at her book launch. Thank you for stopping by! Hope your 2025 is off to a sweet start. Michele

featured photo of silhouetted woman dancing during twilight by Olena Hromova / my photos of New Year’s Eve fire pit, “mist” lamppost, morning sky, and rum cupcakes

2019-2025 myinspiredlife