Some rivers run wild and deep

That which gives life             can also take it away Life, a fragile balance between that which attempts to hold our attention             and what we hold, on the inside We learn, if life (or death) does not first consume us,             that we can only hold so much In our bodies, over fifty percent is contained, but …

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Pursue your Passions (video message)

Need a little creative inspiration? Check out my end-of-the-year message. My message is not polished perfection, but it is packed with heart and intention. (A script) from the head would have made logical sense; hopefully, you get the gist. 😁 Best to you in 2023! 💗 Michele https://videopress.com/v/pQAJzMZF?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true I was surprised yesterday to receive a …

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Follow your heART (essay)

Three years ago, my friend and I attended an Emerging Artist Lecture at the Phoenix Art Museum. The featured artist was Brooklyn-based contemporary artist, Arcmanoro Nile. Beyond the event invitation, neither of us knew anything about Nile, but we were excited to be out. Doing anything. We are both English teachers who had recently left …

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Live at the Marquee (video)

Enjoy the show! https://videopress.com/v/xGPz31Mg?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true I've had many musical moments at the Tempe Marquee Theatre. Last night's show included several local bands (others not in my video). In video order: Fat Gray Cat (long time friends), The Sintrics Band (fairly new on the Phoenix scene), and Carol Pacey and the Honey Shakers (notable on the Phoenix …

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The Giver by James Baldwin (audio poem)

James Arthur Baldwin was born on August 2, 1924 in New York City’s Harlem. Baldwin had a difficult upbringing, which included an evangelical preacher stepfather who struggled financially and who demanded rigorous religious behavior from his nine children. Baldwin’s personal challenges are reflected in his writings, especially in Go Tell It on the Mountain. Baldwin was …

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Little Secret

This poem, "Little Secret," is from my second poetry collection, Being a Woman - Becoming, illustrated by artist Sammi Lee. This version has been modified from my original poem, including additional lines added at the end. This is my empowered collection written with young adults in mind, however, this poem and the others contained in …

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Punk Scene and Desert Serene

This life is full of stressors that make us want to scream. I sort most of that out during my morning meditation that offers me peace and connection. But how much freer my mind would be if I could disturb the peace and add to my release with an unfiltered scream? How much more centered …

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Giving Thanks

Thank you for sharing your gifts and showing up in the way that you do – as uniquely you! From my kitchen and with a grateful heart, to you and yours, I offer warm regards. 💗 Michele Lee image: my almond mocha cake (before I ate a slice) 😋

Music, Movement, and a Mosh Pit (video & verse)

A slightly stoopid poem Walking the same road taken when heading to my first show. A sneaky teen, I was, but my choices were void of malicious intent. I was just a loyal follower, drawn to his rhythm, his lyrics, and his British accent. Solitary confinement was my due punishment. I am all grown up …

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Inspiring Storytellers

Me and Walt Richardson saying hello after a show. If you read my September post, “Let’s Sip and Chat about This and That,” you know I am someone who prefers listening to music, writing, and photography over watching t.v., especially the news the last few months, but I have tuned in enough to know that …

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