If you are celebrating the season,
your days have been packed with efforts of pleasing.
In less than 100 hours,
your hustle and consideration will be shared.
Gifts will be exchanged,
and you can finally collapse on a chair.
Before you head out to tackle last-minute holiday tasks,
I have but one favor to ask …
Grab something warm to nurture your bones,
then scroll through ten of my inspired photos.
Ten photos from 2019, along with twenty lines –
gifts I gladly give to you during this holiday time.
Please know how much you matter.
You are more cherished than anything hidden under shiny wrapper.

Paddle Fest on Lake Pleasant comes only once a year.
This shot is lovely, but the view from a board is better than the pier.

Granville Island in Vancouver was a quick ferry ride away.
Shops, art galleries, a park, a brewery, and a market that made us want to stay.

The drive from Eugene took some time, but the Cape Perpetua Overlook in Oregon was sublime.

After spending time with sea lions on the coast, we were famished and stopped to eat.
Watching the sunset beyond the Florence Siuslaw River Bridge made our day complete.

This majestic cactus at Desert Botanical Garden appears worn and spikey.
But every angle reveals a plant that is interesting and thriving.

A tiny winged creature busy pollinating; she was not concerned about me.
Thank goodness, because I have an allergy.

The Granite Dells that surround Lake Watson emanate a sacred presence.
Those who visit are often transformed by their mystical influence.

A replenishing walk along the water’s edge at Dead Horse Lake.
A flock of birds in the sky and Jerome, a town on the hill, too far for my lens to take.

Our view from a cabin at Lake Havasu State Park.
Gentle waves, the setting sun, and the moon, in the shape of an arc.

A challenging 8.2 mile hike in the Tortolita Mountains in Marana took longer than expected.
Nothing happened and we didn’t get lost. We just couldn’t stop taking pictures of the beautiful landscape that made us feel refreshed and uplifted.

Thank you for stopping by and glancing through ten holiday gifts I gladly give to you. I hope that your weekend isn’t too stressful and that you have some time to relax and enjoy the season with your loves.
If you are receiving my blog through email, thank you for taking the time to read my words and glance at my photos. For optimal viewing, consider going directly to the web @ https://myinspiredlife.org/blog-feed/ for each post. Have an inspired weekend! Michele
Copyright © 2020 Michele Lee Sefton. All Rights Reserved.
You are a gift to all of us who read your thoughts. Thank you!
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Thank you Darna. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend and relaxing vacation. Merry Christmas!
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What beautiful gifts. Your words and delightful pictures , thank you for sharing both . Merry Christmas and Many Blessings for the New Year.
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Thank you for viewing! Merry Christmas to you too. 😊
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So the one problem I’ve found with all the great pictures you’re always sharing is that I’m compiling a list of places I need to visit/check out/see far, far quicker than I’ll ever manage to check off! 😀
Really, though, I always look forward to your Saturday posts, friend!
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Yes, there are so many places to explore in every direction. Wouldn’t a year of traveling be a dream! Thank you for reading my posts and your kind words.
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Thank you for sharing such treasured gifts.
I can feel your presence and all of the photos.
Happiest of holidays!
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I am glad you enjoyed my share. Thank you and holiday wishes to you. 😊
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