Michele Lee Sefton's Blog, page 26

“We all live here, don’t we?” (w/sing along)

The Junkie Song
by The Be Good Tanyas

Took a walk in my neighborhood
Two in the morning
By the Skytrain Station

The streets were full of junkies and homeless
And they all wanted something
They all wanted something

And what am I supposed to do?
There are too many of you
Too many of you

Yeah, sometimes look you in the eye
Say that, “I too am human, I could easily be here”

Although we all hover between apathy and compassion
We fill up all our days with so much distraction
What makes it easier not to see what we don’t want to

But we all live here
We all live here
We all live, don’t we?

Took a walk in my neighborhood
Two in the morning
By the Skytrain Station

The streets were full of junkies and homeless
And they all wanted something
They all wanted something

And what am I supposed to do?
There are too many of you
Too many of you

Yeah, sometimes look you in the eye
Say that, “I too am human, I could easily be
I could be easily be, I could easily be”

Songwriter: Frazey Obadiah Ford

Click here for Junkie Song by The Be Good Tanyas if video does not load.

Thank you for stopping by and listening, if you had time. This song found me a few months ago and having been moved by the lyrics I thought I might share it someday. I found myself thinking about it when staring into the face of the man I photographed in Luxembourg. A face I will never forget. Regretfully, I do not know his name or his story, but I do believe there are as many reasons that people end up houseless as there are people in this situation. A global issue that exists even in the wealthiest of locations.

When doing some outreach a few years ago, in downtown Phoenix, I became overwhelmed and deeply saddened by the long line of tents down a sidewalk in front of a city shelter. Why can’t we fix this, were my thoughts. From that experience and others since, I’ve learned there are no “easy” fixes. Sharing compassion, through a sidewalk conversation, a hot meal or a cold water, or holding another human in my heart when singing along to a song is what I can offer.

Copyright comment: I have great respect for artists and believe that all artists should be properly credited and compensated for their work. Like the photographs that I share, that are not mine. I follow this policy, through monthly subscriptions (with both photos and music) in hopes that a few more cents will trickle to the artists creating the work that I’ve chosen to share.

my photos taken in Luxembourg

© 2024 MyInspiredLife

A cup of cozy comfort

Along the Zaan River
historic wheels keep turning
sails, extended from their center
mark the minutes against a light blue sky

like a handheld pinwheel lifted high,
            holding a child’s imagination

the spinning whir replaced with the clink of rotating mechanics
            stretched shadow dancers, forever caught in a twirl

Miles away,

I can feel the cool breeze, lightly scented
             with flourishing flowers, fresh earth, and the spirit of early inhabitants

I can taste the mustard soup, a secret recipe
            sipped slowly from a handcrafted blue mug

Seconds?
Yes, please. It is delicious, thank you.

Zaanse Schans Village, located near Zaandam, approximately 20 kilometers (12+ miles) north of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, is a charming destination with iconic views and welcoming residents. When they are open; I imagine they relish the quiet that arrives after tourists depart. Twenty-two inhabitants call this picturesque place home. Every step brought beautiful delights and the mustard soup at Ingrid’s home was a delicious highlight. Thank you for stopping by. Kind regards. Michele

my photos

© 2024 MyInspiredLife

Best seat, peddled by feet

“Riding a bike through all this is like navigating the collective neural pathways of some vast global mind. It really is a trip inside the collective psyche of a compacted group of people.”
― David Byrne, Bicycle Diaries

Click here for Glass, Concrete & Stone by David Byrne if video does not load.

My first foray riding a bike, when I was five, did not go well. Just after my brother took my bike’s training wheels off, I ran into a parked car. My brother was a patient teacher, but I needed more practice turning the handlebars while remaining upright. That was many miles ago and my passion for bike riding (on my old mtn. bike) continues to grow with each sunrise. When I ride early in the morning, I rarely see another on two wheels. An entirely different scene in the Netherlands. I quickly learned that bike friendly means tourists watch your step. Nearly got plowed down in Haarlem! After that near miss, I learned to stay in my lane. Thank you for stopping by. Michele

P.S. David Byrne is outstanding to see live.

my bike photos, Netherlands

© 2024 MyInspiredLife

Blooming Bonanza

“It is clear that we must trust what is difficult; everything alive trusts in it, everything in Nature grows and defends itself any way it can and is spontaneously itself, tries to be itself at all costs and against all opposition. We know little, but that we must trust in what is difficult is a certainty that will never abandon us; it is good to be solitary, for solitude is difficult; that something is difficult must be one more reason for us to do it.”
~ Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet

After two attempts at finding blooming saguaro last week, I was ready to quit and try again next spring. I had accepted my decision of viewing older photos for a dose of the desert’s confection. It’s ok, I told myself, after all my spirit is still dancing with the tulips in Holland. From European dreams, the alluring desert did tempt me with her creosote bush fragrances and mysterious whispers. I listened and gave my Saturday saguaro photos a closer inspection and decided it was worth a third try, so I ventured out early Monday in hopes that I would find at least one desert flower displaying its life-giving power.

The drive was long, yet pleasant with light traffic on Memorial Day. I found my location and at the start of my quest I struck a conversation with a Park Ranger. Sorry I did not catch his name. I told him what I was searching for and the look on his face along with the words, “Things are drying up,” told me the path would probably lead to exercise not a blooming prize. I could live with that, after all there’s always something to discover when walking in nature. With my water flask full and my mind open, I pressed on and what I discovered made it worthwhile, including a highly coveted capture at the end of my journey… a roadrunner! I’ve seen my share but capturing a decent photo, that isn’t a feathery blur, has evaded me. They really are fast! There is a real-life reason why Wile E. Coyote never captures him!

If you’ve been following my blooming quest since last week, I thank you very much. It has been revealing and rewarding and a reminder that persistence can pay off in the most unexpected ways. Warm regards. Michele

my photos, blooming saguaros in the Sonoran Desert, a roadrunner (finally!), and a chap pushing instead of riding after a flat (coincidentally the same thing happened to me Saturday, testing my strength and patience-both made stronger for it)

© 2024 MyInspiredLife

Luxembourg American Cemetery

“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.”
― Albert Einstein

Walking across the grass covering the remains of over 5,000 American soldiers and reading the names of the men who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace, was an overwhelming emotional experience, as you can imagine if you’ve never visited this location or others similar in sadness.

It was an honor to visit this site during my recent European trip. I did not enjoy learning about history as a young person, because it felt like one long lesson in wars, which have always confused me. A few years ago, I began to learn more about WWII after inheriting my grandfather’s war artifacts and his letters sent home while serving overseas. Dozens of letters written by a humble man and decorated Army soldier. I’ve read a few and shared some photos and artifacts on my blog. If you’re new to my blog here is the most recent grandfather post, His Letters are Treasures IV (w/audio). This post links to the series of grandpa posts.

Thank you for visiting and wishing those who recognize today’s U.S. holiday a peaceful Memorial Day. Should you choose to leave a comment, I thank you in advance. I will be away from my computer for several hours.

my photos, Luxembourg American Cemetery (photo 1: final resting place for 5,076 American Soldiers, incl. General George S. Patton, 118 of Jewish faith represented by the Star of David headstones photo 2: gate sculpture at main entrance/exit photo 3: map of battle operations in northwestern Europe photo 4: interior of the memorial chapel photo 5: wider view of cemetery photo 6: forest near entrance/exit photo 7: memorial pillar with dedication)

If you are interested in seeing and learning more about the cemetery, here is a link to a professionally done two-minute video highlighting the location (with aerial shots): Luxembourg American Cemetery.

© 2024 MyInspiredLife

Blooming treasures for seekers

Blossoms, hidden, do hum a gentle tune, telling seekers to return with the sinking moon. A preview of what is yet to come, the jewel of the desert is protected by a natural skin cooling the delicate within. Along a path with heat and an elevation rising, lined with prickly guardians, I kept walking… toward a burst of golden whose rise and fall is a daily bloom we cast our gaze and lives upon.

The heat was too intense for a display of flowers. Mother Nature takes only what she needs and to that which might harm her, she puts up a valiant defense. I shall strike out one more time before tomorrow’s sunrise, for the mighty saguaro’s prize, when the air is cool, and the desert sings the sweet song of life. Thank you for stopping by. Warm regards. Michele

my photos, last night’s sunset (5/25) and a saguaro sheltering birds and blossoms earlier the same day

© 2024 MyInspiredLife

A crème-colored awakening

A pale charmeuse poured over her
like a cool silky mist
flavored with stardust remnants
smoothed by their tumble from heaven to earth

A sensual layering held together
with ten tiny pearls drip-dropped down the center
each one, its own salty story of creation and imperfections
an irritant rubbing over time, their common bond

Sweet cream swirled
turning bitter black, burning
into a morning mocha, cooled

A head held forward
toward a world waking
from its seventh day slumber

The clip clop of horse hooves
trotting tourists clamoring
for a taste of the ancient
strong muscles echo
down streets narrow
paved with uneven stones

A breeze carrying a blend
of sinful sweets and sea scents
lifted sheer curtains
from their resting pose
cream-colored petals
easily convinced to shake loose
from their shrinking stem

The quiet moments, with unexpected and simplistic beauty, were my travel favorites. Thank you for stopping by and sharing a moment with me as I continue the savory task of adding poetic lines to my European photos. Warm regards. Michele

my photos, Bruges, Belgium

© 2024 MyInspiredLife

Blooms elusive, Beauty abundant

A fleeting desert flower floats across dreams
adding her confection to a life-giving spring
Petals, pure white icing vibrantly whipped
from sugar-sprinkled golden centers
A baker’s dozen perfectly placed
across a butterscotch horizon
Tempting beauty seekers
and thirsty pollinators
Never rushed
or made to
order

At dusk last night I ventured out in search of blooming Saguaro. Now is the time for the seasonal appearance of the gorgeous flowers adorning their thorny hosts that attract birds, bees, insects, and nature enthusiasts who appreciate their sweet nectar and fleeting beauty.

I did find several cacti adorned with bulbs, either ready to burst or whose time had passed. Disappointed but not disheartened; I shall try again this weekend. I hope to follow-up after, with blooming photos that highlight the desert fruits of my labor. Thank you for stopping by. Michele

my nature photos, sunset / my photo by Larissa

© 2024 MyInspiredLife

Some people are the music

“A [hu]man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his [or her] life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Such a sweet energy this musician had, and talent. It was a joy to be in their presence on a sidewalk in beautiful and historical Trier. Cheers to independent artists and those who move to the rhythm of their own soul. Kind regards. Michele

my photo, smiling solo musician in Trier, Germany

© 2024 MyInspiredLife

Do you have a minute?

Thank you kindly to everyone who expressed words of motivation on my last post. They truly helped me get up and go. The evening was rewarding – rich in conversation, connection, encouragement, and fun, of course! The first hour was social time. Dreaded small talk replaced with a fun ice-breaker activity. The type I always annoyed my students with on the first day of the semester. Introductions were given, motivational words were shared, raffles happened, and solo dances were performed. I hope to participate again in the future. No videos will ever be shared of me dancing or speaking at these community dance events because photos/videos are not allowed during performances, or men. Thank you for stopping by. Michele

my photos, Rudesheim am Rhein, Germany / Bruges, Belgium / dancey me

© 2024 MyInspiredLife