Michele Lee Sefton's Blog, page 5

Crescent Resonance

There is a completeness in the not knowing—a fullness in allowing space for emptiness
expectations fall away, like a star’s last breath absorbed by the darkness
a mind content, ready to surrender to the stillness

Cello for the Waxing Crescent Moon | 1 hour cello meditation music | The Wong Janice

The waxing crescent phase represents growth, expansion, and anticipation. It symbolizes new beginnings and the potential for change. Just as the moon’s light is gradually increasing, this phase encourages a mindset of gradual progress and continuous improvement. It invites us to set intentions, make plans, and take the first steps towards achieving our goals. Source

Like a voice calling back in a canyon, the day echos. Not confined by a beginning or end, it reverberates into the cosmos.

my sky photos (August 30) / woman in meditation pose by Blur_Stock

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Freeing the past, floating into the future (w/book video)

Releasing a story
transforming pain into art
butterfly effect

At the start of the year, I made the decision to select and purchase a final resting spot in an urn garden in my hometown cemetery, where my dad, his parents, my maternal grandmother, and a few other family members are buried. The new urn garden is the last area to be developed in this at-capacity city graveyard. I chose a spot under a tree and just across from a bench. I sat on the bench for a while, looking at the Four Peaks Mountain Range to the east and my family’s location in the distance, to my right. I sat, pondering if my daughter would enjoy the view, should she choose to visit and God willing, I return to earth before her.

While contemplating this future scenario, the thought of what I’d like to experience and accomplish between sitting on that bench and being placed under a concrete header, it struck me that I didn’t want to spend another X amount of time querying literary agents, when my story, Jade’s Broken Bridge, could inspire readers sooner than later, or as it goes when leaving our future in the hands of others, not at all. I left that cemetery, not with all the answers, but knowing I was ready to move forward with publishing my story, a heavy one, yes—a hopeful one, too. Thanks for reading and best to you. Michele

This tender song, Butterfly Mornings by Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions, just found me while writing this. Click picture or title for a listen.

If you’re interested in a Protagonist Sketch graphic organizer (for your own writing) that I put together, email me and I’ll send it to you.

featured photo of butterfly on the brain by agsandrew

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Thank you, creative writers!

Thank you to everyone who added a caption, or more, to these two vintage photos, and to those who supported others. The responses, varied in perspective, are clever, considerate, creative, humorous, and original and they offered laughter and connection to the day. Greatly appreciated! Michele

The original post had the title of “Add your caption(s)” with these instructions: Photo 1 (porch) or Photo 2 (table), or both if that suits you. For the overachievers out there… can you tie the two together?

photos by Everett Collection

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Luxury, organically

A thousand gold coins could fall from heaven, but never could the sound of clinking opulence compare to that of genuine laughter. Into the ground wealth could melt, adding richness to the earth, yet the liquid metal could never produce precious petals.

Meanwhile, back in the Valley of the Sun, Mother Nature unleashed her fury last night. First, she rushed in with an apocalyptic looking haboob* that swallowed the city and covered everything in dust (including me), toppling trees, grounding flights, and cutting power in certain areas. Then she soaked thirsty plants and dirty streets with a forceful splash of rain. For fun, she tossed in some bolts and rumble!

Thank you for stopping by. My first photo of the single rose and laughing picture was taken in Belgium. I regret that I do not know the name of the charming restaurant. Things to work on when capturing precious moments. The rose photo was taken in Oregon. The black and whites are a few snaps from the storm’s aftermath. The first shot was taken last night outside the dance studio, and the other is from this morning. Downed trees and broken branches are everywhere. It’s a mess out there! Stay safe and take care. Michele

*A haboob (Arabic: هَبوب, romanized: habūb, lit. ‘blasting/drifting’) is a type of intense dust storm carried by the wind of a weather front or thunderstorm. Haboobs occur regularly in dry land area regions throughout the world, and off-Earth. They can be dangerous. Source

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife

“The Tiny Bird” by Heather Habecker

The Tiny Bird

Sharing a poem with a moving message written by Heather Habecker. Hope the poet doesn’t mind my gesture, including adding a photo. Too beautiful to not share. If you’d be so kind to click through and give her a visit. Thank you! Michele

photo by edesi44

A poet’s pivotal post

One of the issues I had as a teacher working in public schools was the lack of transparency and courage demonstrated, by those in positions of power, to discuss serious issues, such as drug incidences and suicide (awareness & tragic endings). While I acknowledge that the privacy of students should be protected, there is a cost to withholding too much. I witnessed several occasions, at several schools, where leaders had an opportunity to responsibly handle adverse and potentially life-threatening situations with open and honest discussions with the goal of influencing positive change and perhaps saving a child who might be slipping through the cracks, and yet I repeatedly saw serious situations being hushed. I also suggested that “we should talk about this,” more than once, and although “just a teacher,” I could have pressed harder, but my voice was not yet strong enough.

Undoubtedly there are many factors involved in these situations and I am not going to throw specific stones or speculate as to why these decisions were made. I am stepping forward as someone willing to write about and discuss these subjects, and others, related to the lives of young adults, with the belief that openness, presented sensitively and intentionally, can influence change and possibly save a life.

It is this belief that kept me moving forward with my debut novel—writing about heavy themes and topics while holding onto the vision of “one” reader who might be swept up in darkness, or who might be headed down that path, maybe without even realizing it. I kept writing, to offer a ray of hope and to let readers know, they are not alone.

You see, my debut novel is a story inspired by events from my past, of getting swept up in a dark path—one that almost consumed me, but by the grace of God and my own determination to change my life, it did not. Now, at fifty-six and with my courage rising, I find myself being called to help others—not from a position of self-righteousness or by flooding posts with unsolicited advice, but gently and authentically, from a place of compassion and understanding, delivered through a poet’s sensitive pen.

There are many layers to this story and more to share about the writing process, including a lightning-bolt-type-of-moment earlier this year that made me realize it was time to move forward with this project. For now, this feels a place to pause, a good start with a review read by my daughter, Sammi Lee, who graciously agreed to read my advanced reviews over the coming weeks, starting with one written by Booklife by Publishers Weekly. Thank you for visiting and to the angels in this space, thanks for supporting my journey—helping me build my courage and strengthen my voice.

I am now a woman who pole dances with other women, not out of desperation in a smoky environment, but from a place of strength, grace, and empowerment.

P.S. I’ve set my comments to manual approval this morning, because I need to pace myself and breathe in well-being, not because I don’t welcome your thoughts on these substantive topics. I sincerely do. Thank you. Michele

featured photo by Boule / my sunrise photo

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Elevated (w/video)

Wisdom in the winds
Freedom found in the silence
Spread your wings and soar

When looking for a feature photo that embodied the tone of this post, my OneDrive memories popped up in my email. You might have the same or something similar. Mine reads: “Look back at your memories from this day.” Usually, I view the first photos then drag and move to a folder—today I decided to look closer, to discover there’s a video feature. How lovely and easy enough. Thanks for visiting and viewing and best to you. Michele

my bird photos / August 22 video photos are mine (dancing woman from previous post)

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife

A return to the beginning, quietly reflecting

This morning, I’m returning to where my reflective writing began when I was a child, after receiving my first Diary as a gift. I’m going to spend my Wednesday blogging time journaling—pen to paper, letting the ink’s swoops and swirls fill the page, following the preset lines, though always spilling above and below. No expectations or writing goals, just letting the thoughts flow.

Thank you for visiting. I find myself in a profound place this morning. Emotionally and spiritually. A stillness that life never freely offers us, but at times, we must carve out for ourselves. Self-preservation at a foundational level, beautiful growth at its core. Into that sacred space, I’m going to slip for a few hours. Yesterday, I completed the final editing items for my debut novel, Jade’s Broken Bridge. A six-year journey that has strengthened my wings. Always more to do in this life, whatever the project or profession, but I’m going to pause and give myself the gift of quiet reflection.  

I’ve chosen to leave comments on, because I love y’all and treasure your thoughts and I value the gifts our creative community has given me over the last six years, though please know, my engagement here and with others will be slow.

Speaking of creative community… our August Creative Call will take place next Wednesday, August 27th at 9 AM Pacific Standard Time. More info to follow, but if you’re interested or would like to know more, please email me through my contact page. Warm regards. Michele

my lake photos from Ohio

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Finding my way – sharing my truth

My blog is many things
to me—a woman finding herself
after a lifetime of burying myself
First, under the demands of survival
born into a turbulent household
            fueled by anger and alcohol

Followed by the further pushing down
of who I longed to be
under the needs of others
born to please

Learning, everyday
            how to speak
            how to be me
            how to be free

Not easy and ironically
fellow women have been the ones
to throw the most stones—
some of them covered in common blood
but I’ve kept on, even when I wanted to give up
those days (over the last six years), there’ve been plenty of

Along the way, I’ve met angels
who haven’t judged
who’ve shared their light
and unconditional love
I can’t thank them enough
though, I will keep trying
through quiet thank you’s
sent during golden meditation



Artist Sammi Lee is about to embark on
an entrepreneurial adventure
that is bold and wonderful
showcasing all her incredible talents
enhanced by education, training, and life-learning
            On a firm foundation she stands

She is her own person
and for that, I thank God every day
            from her personality and path, I continue to learn
Parenting the strong-willed child, she was
and encouraging her to share her voice—not silence or crush
continues to be a priority for me, her mother

But she isn’t just my daughter—
            an expressive air sign with an artist’s disposition
She has a supportive father who is solid and stable
            an analytical personality who calls her to task

Night and day, he and I
and changes, there have been plenty
but on common ground
there is love
for each other
and our only daughter

My blog will never become a photo album, nor will I share personal matters that involve others, but I am a writer with things to say, about life, love, relationships, change… a woman finding her way. Thank you for reading. Michele

P.S. Although I welcome comments on the topics I’ve presented in this post, I have a deadline that needs my attention. I suppose there will be other opportunities to engage and discuss.

featured photo by margouillat photo / Baby Sammi and her dad

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife

A poet’s picture post

“See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories. Ask for no guarantees, ask for no security.”
― Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”
― Gustave Flaubert

“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.”
― anaïs nin, The Diary of Anaïs Nin, Vol. 7: 1966-1974

Revisiting beautiful parts of the world by scrolling through travel photos and listening to 80s tunes is a rather pleasant way to start the weekend. My photo post is submitted to “Thursday Doors.” Thanks to Dan Antion for the opportunity to join in! My photos are from a few countries: Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Thank you for stopping by. A wonderful weekend to you! Michele

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife