
unWound itself to the coast.
Hugging her curvy edges
and letting her absorb my tumbling thoughts,
she welcomed me home.
More than a meandering line
drawn from the mountains to the shore,
her canvas was touched by a Divine artist’s brush.
Leafy arms tower above the striped narrow highway,
offering seekers and travelers nature’s embrace
in the shape of laughing leaves and extended grace.
I lost sight of the life affirming road and life’s concerns
when I stepped into a kayak and pushed off into a peaceful afternoon.
Under fast moving fog, I paddled down the Siltcoos River, slow moving.
The unWinding road
has wound its way into my soul.





Another song from the winding road. The tone and lyrics of this song, “Harlem River,” by Kevin Morby, is a nice match for the vibes I felt paddling down the Siltcoos River . 🛶 Enjoy! 🎶 Both the winding road and my book project have wound their way into my soul. ✨ One I will take home with me, the other will never leave me. Thank you for visiting and reading. Be well. 💗 Michele
Find my photos on Instagram~ @mlsefton
Photos: My images (Newport, Oregon) No photos from kayaking – just memories. Memories are waterproof, my camera is not. 😆
© 2021 Michele Lee Sefton.
Lovely! xo
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It certainly is. 🥰 Beauty surrounds.
Thank you, Sandra 🤗
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Lovely poem. Nature can make us forget our woes, often it heals our soul. Beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing. 💙
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Thank you, Elle. Truthful and beautiful words about nature’s restorative healing powers. 🥰 It is absolutely my pleasure to share a bit from my writing retreat. Many blessings have arrived. I am beyond grateful. Thank you for joining me. 💗
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You’re most welcome, Michele. Have a blessed day! 🙏🏼😊☀️🌼
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You too. 🌻
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I love the pictures.😊 Nice poem, Michele.
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Thank you kindly. Much appreciated. 🌞
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The pleasure is always mine, Michele.🙂
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I am grateful. 🙏🏼
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Awww I have lost words to describe the beauty of these views. My heart badly requested me not to trouble for words it just wanted to feel the gentle touch of your pleasant n Mesmerizing pictures. Genuinely from my heart. Aren’t you making the nature more beautiful n lively with your lovely capturings and profound writings?? My loving hugs n respects to the nature’s Angel. Loves to you sweetest ❤🙏
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Releasing words and just enjoying the views is a beautiful and peaceful idea. 🧘🏼♀️ Thanks for sharing words from your heart, Suma. 💗 I don’t know if I am making nature more beautiful and lively, but I sure am enjoying her. Every moment. Hugs to you sweetheart. 🤗
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Pleasure is always mine dear sweet n you are truely bringing beauty up to the mesmerizing nature. Thanks for sharing them 🥰❤🤗
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So beautiful your poetic prose, as well the photography you disclose. And a kayak, too? It looks and sounds so wonderful ~ wishing you continued joy & success, dear Michele 🌞🌹
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Thank you for the thoughtful comments, Phil. 😊 Oh yeah, I love kayaking. I really wanted to take my camera, but thought it best to leave it in the dry car. A beautiful and peaceful river to paddle down, and back up. 😆
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Beautiful photos and poem. How was the paddling? I love how much wildlife I see when I’m on the water.
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Thank you, Rebecca. Very kind of you. 😊 Kayaking was wonderful. 🥰 I did see birds, fish, swimming salamander and diverse plant life. I did not see any larger animals.
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A swimming salamander! That sounds wonderful. We don’t have those in the Midwest ; )
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This looks like a wonderful place to visit, kayak, and unwind Michele. Nature is a great way to connect to my soul too.
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It truly is. 🧘🏼♀️ I see your love of nature through your photos. Thank you, Brad. 😊
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Yes, we share a love for nature. 😊
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OMG Michele, a picture is worth a thousand words. Your poetry (along with your photos of course) paint such a tranquil and serene lullaby of nature. I feel like I can just be whisked away to this place you have described…the unwinding road, where you can discover your own adventure on a road less traveled! Bravo once again girlfriend!!! 👏🏼😎🌞❤
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With that thought, I should just make a picture book. Less time than writing 70,000 words. Or more. 🤪 “Lullaby of nature” is a perfect phrase to describe meandering through the pines… as long as I don’t actually fall asleep. 😂 Delightful, you are. Thank you, Kym. 🙏🏼🌳🤗💖
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LOL Michele! That sounds like a “Best-Seller” if you ask me. You could put an accompanying poem with each one. BOOM…Picture Poetry! You already have your title. Hmmmm…..that’s not a bad idea girlfriend! 📸🌲📖✍🏽
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I did that with an eBook-poems from my first year of blogging with photos. It’s not a bestseller though. 😂 I am in my terrible twos now. 🧒
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😂😝🤣 Girl, you missed your calling…Standup at the Improv! ❤💋😁 I think you’ve moved beyond your toddler years sista’!!! 🥂 Here’s to great days!
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Beautiful pictures
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Thanks, Alicia. 😊
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Poetry, pictures, music in beautiful combination. Michele you are blogging author on high level. Pleasure of reading, looking, listening. 💖
Have a nice day 🌞
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VG, I am not sure I am on a high blogging level, but I am on a higher level in the mountains. 🌄🧘🏼♀️ 🥰 I do appreciate your sincere words. Thank you. 😊 You do the same!
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Your pictures have a soul, for the way you gift them to us touches my soul. My inner world shifted as I surrendered to the sweet beautiful flow of your poem, my heart enjoying the ride through the winding roads into the unwinding soothing expanse of nature, giving me a kind reminder of a true state of joy, untouched by the worldly woes. A beautiful place to land at your blog space in the middle of the day 💛
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Oh wow. I love that, Pragalbha. I do feel quite inspired when I can take my time taking photos of inspirational scenes. ✨ I am pleased to read that you enjoyed traveling with me and that it delivered a sweet surrender and joy to your day. That touches me and connects me to you. 🥰 Thanks for being here and taking the time to write such heartwarming words. 🙏🏼
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🙏🏼💛
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I love this picture of the road unfurling, unwinding herself and revealing her delicate and lovely edges that hug and pave the way back toward soil as precious as the step behind it!
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How exquisitely described, Jaya. 😊 I always love how you transform my words, weaving them into your own beautiful creation. 🌟 Thank you.
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I think your poem wound itself to my soul, Michele.
❤
David
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Ahhh, so sweet soul brother. 🥰
Thank you, David. ♥
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Beautiful, dear Michele. Reminds me of my time at the coast this past year; I love the dunes, the tranquility and peace of it all, which comes through in waves (pun intended) to me in your lovely verse. I love it! ❤️🤗
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I am glad my post reminded you of a joyful time. 🥰 My first look at the Newport beach, from the top of the hill, took my breath away. I did not expect to see a beach of dunes. The beauty and serenity of the place left me euphoric. Like a child at Christmas, I was ecstatic to be there taking photos.💓 Nice pun! 😄 I appreciate your enthusiasm and friendship. 🤗❤
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It did, indeed, dear Michele. Ah, I love that, peering over the edge of the dunes or a cliff, beautiful. Like a child at Christmas is a wonderful way to express that; it is the exact feeling I get when at the ocean.🌊 Lovely. Hahaha.😁 Pun! How fun. Thank you, Michele. I appreciate you too. ❤❤
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😊
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This sounds and looks so idyllic Michele 🙏
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Thank you, Ingrid. It is truly is. The sights, the relaxed vibe, the fresh air, the friendly people, the greenery… 💓
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and the water! Precious resource that it is.
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Thank you kind sir. 😊🙏🏼
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Always a joy and pleasure to read and share your posts with followers, My Dear! Hope you have a great day!! xoxox 😘💕🎁🌹
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You are a kind and generous person. It has been a great day, thank you. Wishing you the same. 🌞
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So winsomely evocative, Michele.
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A lovely description. Thank you, Mitch. 😊
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A beautiful poem Michele… and a wonderful trip on that long and winding road!
Dwight
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Thank you, Dwight. Yes it is! 💓
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What a thoughtfully and beautiful composed poem, dear Michele!💕 vivid images in harmony that crossed my mind when I was reading this poem🏝🥂 the last line is my fav❤️ How mysteriously revealing…..
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Why thank you, Annabel. 😊 Lovely word choice and sentiment on your part. I adore you! 🤗 Have a beautiful day. 💐
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Most welcome, Michele❤️ Enjoy your weekend!
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‘The unWinding road
has wound its way into my soul.’ These words really touched my heart. Gorgeous poetry, Michele, like a tonic for the soul. Stay blessed 💖
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Diana, your words, “tonic for the soul” washed over me and gave me a feeling of peace and being on purpose. A beautiful feeling. Thank you talented poetess. 💖 Enjoy your day and weekend! 🌞
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Beautiful words and photos! Such majesty in nature😍
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Thank you very much! Majesty is an excellent word choice! 🙏🏼🌲🌄💓
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Nice photos
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Thank you! I appreciate your comment. 🙏🏼
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Breathtaking pictures and beautiful words! Nature always recharges us. ❤
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Thank you so much for saying, Zeenat. 😊 I agree! Nature restores and refreshes. 🥰 Have a lovely week.
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Memories indeed are waterproof and they don’t leave like people do (someone said).
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Thank you so much, Dee, for adding engaging thoughts to the conversation. 😊 Have a lovely day! 🌻
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My pleasure. Your piece stimulates conversation!!!!
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Before I depart at 5:00 a.m. to drive 2.25 hours ENE to hike and take photographs, I decided to stop by to read your poetic words of inspiration & enjoy your wonderful photography ~ I’m glad I did. Thanks for sharing, dear Michele. 🙏😊
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Glad to inspire. Have fun! 🚶🏼♂️ 📷 🌄
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