Winding, Writing, and Wildflowers

On By Michele LeeIn Humor, nature, Poetic Prose, writing

Escape the heat and the concrete, I did. Writing and exploring in the Cascades, I am. A rental car with a “Start” button and cool jazz playing on the radio, lifted me higher and higher, to a narrow winding road, lined with tall trees, providing sanctuary for birds of prey (and for me, a grounded woman who hunts for words, but with those, I can also fly free). So much beauty to take in, my heart did swell, and my eyes did well. And the wildflowers! So many generously growing about, I think they were showing off, swaying in the wind. I see you! I said to them. Distracted by more than I could take in, I missed my turn. Easy to do, and it was not Mr. Siri’s fault. The cellphone signal is blocked by nature above (heaven in other words) and the numbers are hard to read on the roadside mailbox. Find it, I did, then I drove slowly on rocks to a hilltop. A small apartment above a garage waiting for me – another keyless entry. This is where I am and where I will be for an extended stay, then it is back to the heat.

Not to be confused with a retreat from writing, my writing retreat for one has begun. An early morning meditation followed by a cup of joe while watching deer, birds, and squirrels scurry and chew (more enjoyable than watching the news), then it is time to open a document started last year – the start of a (wannabe) book-length project that delivers challenges and tears too, but determined I am to see it through. Progress made. More words added to the page. I give my brain a rest and let my feet and eyes explore the wilderness. Yesterday I found a field of wildflowers, lined with tall grass next to a flowing stream – a place I have visited in my dreams. I crouched low and took several photos. Beautiful and breathtaking. Itchy too. A real-life detail never felt in my dream escape. A temporary itch for a lifetime memory. A pleasing exchange.  

This morning I am headed to a Farmer’s Market that has fresh flowers and produce. Outside? In the middle of July? An absolute treat for this dancing desert dweller who enjoys traveling the winding road of a poetic storyteller.

Caught in the act… eating the fancy potted plant.
Tony and Serenity (adorable dad and daughter having a costume picnic). They made me smile and they were so nice to let me take their photo. Fun and nice people are the best! Photo not endorsed by Jimmy John’s, although it should be. 😂

Thank you for visiting and reading. Next week I will highlight the trees. 🌲 Be well. 💗 Michele

I am heartsick about the loss of life and flooding in Western Europe and I am praying for those affected by the devastation. 🙏🏼

Find my photos on Instagram ~ @mlsefton

Photos: My images

© 2021 Michele Lee Sefton.

71 thoughts on “Winding, Writing, and Wildflowers”

  3. It sounds like a delightful escape from the heat, away from the beat of the street ~ in nature to nurture the peace within, while all about you the wonderment of wilderness unfolds to captivate…so great! Travel, dream, explore. Looking forward to reading more ✍🏼🌲

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    1. It has been a breathtaking and refreshing escape. Ironically, the valley of the sun got some rain last night and it has been non-stop sunny here. Cool though. Phew! Thank you, Phil! 😊 I am looking forward to the unfolding of days and words. 🌞

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      1. You’re most welcome my dear one.. and to you.. xoxo yes 😢😢😢🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💖💖💖

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    2. It has been wonderful. 💓My project has its challenges but I am focused on enjoying the process, like I suggested you do. 😆 Yes, beautiful deer. The homeowner might not think so, eating her potted plant. 😂

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    1. It is just awful! 💔

      Cute moments for sure. That deer face. Too funny! And yes, a precious dad/daughter duo. Not in a million years would my dad have ever done anything like that! Maybe for a million dollars. 😂 Thank you, David. 💗

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  12. I enjoyed the poetic rhythm of your post, a beautiful one come alive with a string of short sentences. I loved immersing in the soothing serenity of the surroundings as you describe them – it is a retreat indeed to nature and yourself, writing or not. I am so excited for your writing, as your writing about the writing retreat is so wonderful!! Awesome pictures too!

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    1. Thank you, Pragalbha, for making the time to share such charming, heartfelt, and supportive comments. It means a lot to me. 😊 Soothing serenity perfectly describes the surroundings and energies here. 🧘🏼‍♀️ You truly have a caring soul. 🙏🏼

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  15. Buddy Smith

    Lovely journey, words and photo (the wildflowers look like white yarrow). Makes me want to go exploring backroads. I have never driven a car with a start button. Fancy!

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    1. That is so nice. Thank you, Buddy! 🌻 I looked up the flower you mentioned, and yes they do. Get out and explore! Enjoy!! With cooler temps, I could explore all day, everyday! 😁 I had never driven a car with a start button either. It took me a few minutes to figure out how to start it. 😂 It is more new than it is fancy. 😆

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  20. Girlfriend, you are surrounded by some serious inspiration. Nature always has a way of meandering through the ebb and flow of our creativity. ✍🏽You should do well with the production of your award-winning composition. 🏆 You won’t settle for anything less! Have an awesome and awe-inspiring writing retreat Michele. 📜📸🕯

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    1. You are right about that, girlfriend! And a few other things, I might add. 😁 I appreciate your belief in me… we shall see. It is going to be a long and winding road, but I will keep moving forward. One word, one foot in front of the other. Thanks so much dear friend and fellow writer. 💖

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      1. Michele my dear, I believe that whatever you set your mind to do, you will do it no matter the time or length thereof. 🤔 As you navigate through your inspirational path, you bring that experience to life with your words, and we feel it. 🤗💖😊

        Stay the course! 🥰🙏🏼👍🏼✍🏽❤

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  22. Your winding trip, Capturing pictures n knitting words are all amazingly beautiful. Glad to see you escaping from the heat n enjoying the cool nature so are the words flowing naturally. Below highlights they are so beautiful as you my dear Michele 😇 💖

    So much beauty to take in, my heart did swell, and my eyes did well. 👌👌

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    1. I am most pleased to share some beauty with you and I am grateful for your appreciating soul. 🙏🏼 Leaving the heat and finding myself under the trees has left me doubly-blessed. 💖 Thanks sweet Suma.

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  23. I know I’ve already commented on your post, but just wanted to stop by and wish you well with your creative works ~ you’re a wonderful poetic storyteller, Michele ✍🏼 with a nice shadow, too 😉 Have a splendid day 🌞🌲

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