Tucson Road Trip – Part I (video)

On By Michele LeeIn Arizona Adventures, nature, Verse, Video
The stillness swept over me
before I stepped inside.
The rush of the city
miles behind me.
A lone hawk slowly descends
in a swooping circle,
riding the wind.
The scent of desert rain
and creosote, I breathe in.
The only sound is the crunch
of gravel underfoot.
I step across the threshold.
The rush of history envelops me.
Over two centuries of prayers
hanging heavy in the air.
Hopes, blessings, and pleas.
Tiny flames outlast what has
passed or what never came to be.

Thank you for visiting and viewing! I will return next week with Tucson Road Trip – Part II (highlights from a downtown Tucson location). Be well. 💗 Michele

To learn more about the history of San Xavier Del Bac Mission click here: https://www.sanxaviermission.org/

A special thank you to Juan with Masticadores Spain for publishing my piece, “Now and Then.”

Photo 1: me at San Xavier Mission Photo 2: Catalina Mountain Range (all photos taken by me)

© 2022 Michele Lee Sefton

87 thoughts on “Tucson Road Trip – Part I (video)”

  6. Lovely Michele…your poetry, photography and – just saying – Levis. It isn’t often that one has the privilege of entering such an historic structure, let alone experiencing an associated aura, therein, heightening ones sense of awareness. Thank you for sharing your road trip in words, and I wish you a happy weekend, my friend. 🌵🌞

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    1. Thank you, photographer Phil. Thanks too for reminding me to add my Levi endorsement. 😂 It is a special place with interesting history and a privilege to be there, yes. I was last there over twelve years ago. I enjoyed returning with a rediscovered interest in photography. A wonderful way to see (and remember) the world. 😊 Happy weekending! 🙏🏻🌄

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      1. hahaha Yes, the endorsement…I would love to see that commercial air. Very cool site and I’m glad you’ve shared your photography. 📷💖 Thank you, lovely poetess Michele. 🙏🏻😊

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      3. Good morning, Michele. Well, I couldn’t stop thinking about the idea of your blue jeans on the TV screen, recalling our earlier discussion regarding Levi’s, and so I included that hypothetical commercial in a post, today. Have a great day! 🌞

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    1. City noise becomes too familiar. I believe it important for all of us to experience quiet whenever possible. Solitude has its gifts too. 💗 Are you serious? You’re a Wildcat now? I think that is a fine fit for you! What is your major? It would be a treat to meet up at some point. 😄

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      2. Yes! We will make it happen. I hope you are doing ok with the heat. The monsoons have been nice! Another fine fit for you! A solid program too. There is an active poetry community down there – you won’t lack for work and connections. Best wishes!

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  12. Hey Michelle, I like the contrast between the rush of the city and of history and the stillness that still enveloped you! 👍👌😁 “Over 2 centuries of prayers hanging over me” is a brilliant line! 👏

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  13. A poem that reminds me of visiting Tombstone AZ many years ago. It was a family trip when the boys were little, and was my first time in AZ. I remember vividly my love of the architecture,
    and of my resonance with the desert landscape, which, as you know, Michele, continues to this day. A lovely poem, evoking a myriad of feelings within me, all very pleasant. Happy Saturday! 🏜💖🌳

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    1. Visiting Tombstone is like visiting the past. A great movie, too! 🎥 Yes, I recall you writing your connection to the desert landscape. There is something alluring about the look, the energy, the history, and the wild nature of the desert landscape. I hope that wildness never leaves – it certainly has been paved over with the extreme growth. Have a wonderful week and best wishes on your upcoming publication! 📚 Enjoy your poem orchard! 💖🌳

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  16. So awesome video with beautiful you standing outside the legend grace Church , so lovely 😊 👍🏻🌷
    The gorgeous video watching time feeling so much peace my mind ,your road trip so amazing one 👍🏻👏
    Grace wishes and happy weekend 🌷🙏♥️🌷

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    1. I love learning that you have been there. Thank you for sharing! I was happy for mostly clear skies – the night before brought a massive monsoon storm that made driving quite challenging! Tough driving but needed rain! I am glad you enjoyed my poem and video. 🙏🏻

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  24. This is so lovely, Michelle!!! Thank You! I was gifted with living in Tucson for a few weeks many years ago. I had a profound experience at this mission. It’s a very powerful place. I’ve chalked it up to a past life experience that had to have been insanely painful for me while I lived it. On the day I’m speaking of I’d driven some friends who were all from out of state to see “The White Dove of the Desert” as it was called back then. We were all fine. It had been a fun morning. I was relaxed and having a wonderful time walking around the grounds of the Mission. The very second I stepped inside the church I felt a rush in my body and started sobbing. It was not that kind of reverential overtaking that can happen in places that deeply touch Your heart with Love….it was unbearable pain. I excused myself immediately and walked around the parking lot and beyond while my friends took their time. I’ve visited a few missions in my day and have never had anything like that happen before or since at one. Anyway, I calmed down and was fine as soon as I got some distance away from it. They loved the mission and in our own way we all had a beautiful day. But wow. Never went back there! If I ever do it will be to do a clearing! 😂 I enjoyed these pictures and Your poetry. Walking away smiling. Rock on!!!

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your story with me. What a story! Whatever the backstory, you clearly have a strong connection to that place, albeit an adverse one from your details. Isn’t life (all of them) interesting? ✨A “clearing” might be in order. I trust my post and photos did not trigger any unpleasant feelings. It seems fitting that you read this post – I hope you agree. 😁 Thanks again for sharing. 🙏🏻🌵🌞

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      1. Oh gosh! My pleasure! I’m happy it wasn’t an overshare! 😂 Haven’t thought about that in years. 🤣 And no…this didn’t trigger anything bad at all. It’s such a beautiful place and little church!!! It was odd….when we visited the grounds of the Mission did nothing to me but one step inside that church and WHAM!!! My son and I studied and visited a few Missions in CA when he was growing up and there are actually some pretty heartbreaking stories of how Native People were treated/abused by some of the Missionaries…for whatever reasons….so perhaps I had the misfortune of being involved in something like that in that building. But what a WONDERFUL trip You’re having!!!! I love the desert. Thanks again for sharing!!! Bon Voyage!!! 😃🙏🏼💕

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      2. Not an overshare, at all. You told an interesting story. Yes, heartbreaking stories of abuse. Probably much more that is unknown. Perhaps that is part of your soul history, or you are a highly sensitive person, or both! Thank you very much! 🚘🌵🌞🙏🏻

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    1. I hope that you are able to someday. You would love the variety of birds and other wildlife and the many mountain and desert trails. Not in the summer, of course! Although the monsoon storms can be spectacular there. Thank you very much for your beautiful comment. 🏜️

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  26. Oh my goodness Michele my Belle, what a sacred and humbling poem and video you shared. 📽 Your journeys are always so therapeutic and serene. 🙏🏼 And congratulations once again my dear friend on the publication of your poem “now and then.” You rock my dancing queen!!! 🥳💃🏼🎶💃🏽😎 I am so proud of you girlfriend! 🤗💖😊

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    1. Kymbelina! Happy to read you! Hope all is well in your world. 😊 ‘”therapeutic and serene” – love that! Thank you for the fine feedback and for being so sweet and supportive. 💗🙏🏻 And energetic! 💃🏽💖💃🏻

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      1. Oh Michele my Belle you know it is always my pleasure. 🤗🌺😘 I can be so hyper sometimes but you somehow make things so very easy to digest and I love it! I appreciate your support as well girlfriend and let’s continue to dance our tushes off!!! 💃🏼🎶🎺🎼🥁🎵💃🏽 Hugs and smooches! 🎉✨🎆

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  27. Pingback: Tucson Road Trip – Part II (video) – My Inspired Life

  30. I am especially taken aback by the beautiful lady
    standing and staring at San Xavier mission.
    Yes, I can only see her back but just looking at her curves,
    I know she’s a beauty inside and out.

    Love the poem, Michele! 🥰

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