listen carefully
breathe in, breathe out, letting go
your soul will thank you
secrets ride the waves
ebbing, flowing in deep blue
we are not privy
waves carry a vast
mystery with each whisper
we may not discern
Lauren Scott (c)
Last weekend, after attending The Quail Motorcycle Gathering in Carmel, CA (previous post), we drove the iconic 17-mile drive in Pebble Beach which was absolutely beautiful. Any view of the ocean is one where taking a zillion photos comes effortlessly. I didn’t take a zillion, but came close, so I’m including only a few here. I hope you enjoy part of Nature’s photo album.
And below is a poem I posted last year. Life is all about the beauty surrounding us, not giving those negative thoughts rent space, and breathing in the peace wherever you may find it…
Ever So Gently
Sometimes we get lost in our thoughts…
losing focus of stars shimmering above us,
the sky turning heavenly blue for our pleasure,
raindrops falling for our essential cleansing.
We tumble too deeply into the frontal lobe
allowing negative thoughts to awaken,
permitting them to throw a tantrum.
So we must remember the wind will carry
worries and doubts across rivers and oceans,
majestic trees will sway with joy, sheltering
from shadows, and light will continue to shine,
even if only a slight glimmer peeks through.
Its glow will grow ever so gently into a bright
beacon of hope rising with the golden sun
bringing the most beautiful clarity to our vision.
Lauren Scott (c) 2022 ❤️
Last weekend, we attended The Quail Motorcycle Gathering in Carmel, CA. It was held at The Quail Lodge and Golf Club, literally on the golf course. Walking around all day on the lush green grass was as comfy as footsteps on carpet. One of my husband’s hobbies is motorcycles; he’s always been the owner of one, two, or a few, and always will be. This event was for motorcycle enthusiasts to “show” their bikes as judges wearing fancy fedoras, carrying clipboards and pens, strolled around doing what they do best…judge! This event was also for motorcycle enthusiasts to attend and admire the cool bikes. But some incredible cars snuck into the show, too, not to mention, a few adorable canines.
The 250 entries spanned from the early 1900’s to current times. It was fun to see the evolution of the motorcycle design through the decades. Beverages, food, and merchandise waited at our fingertips, so once we warmed up, we indulged in a Bloody Mary and Margarita, and later for lunch, delicious tacos. Since I forgot to pack a hat, I bought a Quail Moto ball cap at the event which saved me. Country tunes and rock ‘n’ roll entertained the crowd of around 3200 people, all ages from infants to seniors. The weather was beautiful, sunny, in the mid sixties, but don’t let that moderate temperature fool you; the sun blazed at times and we were grateful for the invention of hats! So, whether you love to ride, feeling the wind in your face, or not, I hope you enjoy the photos and can appreciate the unique styles:
The photos above are of my husband on his Suzuki V-Strom in Death Valley, CA, and the two of us about to venture onto the local country roads on his Kawasaki KLR.
I hope you enjoyed the show & have a great day!
Lauren ❤️🏍🤗
Sometimes, we find ourselves walking in the wrong direction at a good clip, so preoccupied that the gap in the pavement trips us, tumbling us in. Darkness seizes. Uncertainty and fear join in the huddle. Our bodies paralyzed by fear’s powerful grasp. But thoughts penetrate in the depths of our minds, how strength has always been a constant in our lives where weakness only an acquaintance. So, with great mental bandwidth, our fingers grip each little crevice of gloom like a seasoned rock climber. We move, inching upward, finding our way out as darkness begins to dim, and rays from the big golden ball in the sky warm our shoulders. We revel in our accomplishment, never again underestimating our capabilities, as we joyfully hold the future in our hands.
Enjoy your weekend, Feel empowered, and a Big Thanks to all of you for reading, liking, and commenting throughout the years.
Lauren Scott (c) ❤️
Strength photo: Google
Each purl stitch was interlaced
with love from the touch
of her gentle hands.
She, the teacher,
me, the student,
as our bodies
sank into the big sofa
checkered in a
seventy’s palette.
For a new teen,
my love for her
went unmeasured.
Now, fully immersed
in motherhood
after three decades,
the mom role is
clear as plate glass,
how heart and mind
require flexibility,
the juggling
of many hats.
Her wisdom mingles
with my thoughts
so often that I whisper,
“I get it, Mom.”
Teardrops of love
struggle for freedom,
grief clutches at my heart.
Autumn browns, reds,
yellows, and oranges
from that afghan
warmed memories
over the years,
but at some point,
my novice knitwork
must have slipped a stitch
because those warm shades
unraveled through the seasons,
crafting a hole in the center
that mirrors the chasm in my heart
from missing her.
Lauren Scott (c) 💗
A Mother’s Day Tribute
With her tender care,
she creates perfection
Like a mama bird,
she provides protection
Under her wing
she carries warmth
A frown in her view,
she’ll easily transform
Her beauty shines,
flows like a river
Ah, but her love
will never wither
She embodies splendor
of many colors
bold for confidence,
pastel for aiding others
With a butterfly’s elegance,
she graces our presence
Her million-dollar smile
illuminates her essence
A sister, daughter,
friend, and lover
A doting spirit
like no other
An angel on earth,
A spirit divine
A lovely blessing
One of a kind
Happy Mother’s Day to all Moms out there,
and to our Moms in Heaven, we miss you
and love you! 💕
And a Big shout-out to my daughter and son
who are absolutely the best
and make me feel so blessed. ❤️
Lauren Scott (c)
I’m excited for my book, More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose, to be featured on Sally’s Bookshelf today at her wonderful Smorgasbord blog. I’ve included an extract from one of the stories below, but I invite you to check out Sally’s post for more information, and Thank you, Sally! ❤️
Extract from Ascent:
It was all so strange – grieving the passing of my father, and at the same time having planned the trip. After talking to my sisters, they encouraged us to still go. “It’s what Dad would want,” they said. I wasn’t sure it was the right decision, but after much thought, we took my sisters’ advice. I couldn’t ignore the slight guilt of going on the trip while it was all so fresh. I wouldn’t have left if Dad was still in the hospital, but he was at peace now, no longer suffering. In some otherworldly way, I felt his approval.
We began our four-hour drive to the Sierra a few days after his passing. When we arrived, we unloaded our stuff and “suited up”. During the trip preparation, as well as the drive, Matt repeated, “It’s only a mile and a half to the lake!” What he didn’t mention was that the hike entailed an ascent over a huge granite dome. I became anxious because I didn’t feel physically prepared. But his confidence in my ability was apparent, so we began the uphill hike.
When we reached the top and I looked down that sleek granite dome, I was amazed at what I had achieved. Never underestimate our abilities. On the other side of the dome, Shealor Lake was in full view. We gave our legs a short rest, drank some water, then headed downhill with the enticing pull of the lake’s beauty. As we neared the bottom, my emotions ran wild. I was relieved that we finally made it, but a sudden wave of grief washed over me. We removed our packs and sat on a log for a time-out. I was so overwhelmed that the tears found freedom. I didn’t fight them. I cried for the loss of Dad. I cried for having completed this hike that I didn’t think I was capable of. I would’ve backed out graciously had I known the details.
After a few minutes, I composed myself and looked to the lake. The water, a jeweled phenomenon. It sparkled, inviting us for a swim. While we set up our back-country camp, the orange-hot sun blazed down on us as if we had drastically turned up the thermostat, so the cool lake water soothed our sun-kissed skin. The fact that we were all alone in this canyon full of forest and smooth granite was beyond welcoming. The tranquility offered me the chance to reminisce about Dad and my parents together. The solitude afforded a perfect destination to grieve, think, remember, and cry. Mourning the loss of one parent was difficult enough but losing both felt surreal – a new stage of life had begun.
This Sierra adventure provided a chance for hiking and granite-rock hopping. The sun was our alarm clock, bidding us good morning and night as it rose and faded behind the hills. At night, our campfire’s dancing flames mesmerized, and the star-sprinkled sky enthralled. No matter where we explored, magic wrapped us in its warm embrace. This trip challenged my mind, body, and soul. I gained insight into my deepest being, learning not to limit myself. This amazing destination and experience proved to be the best medicine.
©Lauren Scott 2022
One of the reviews for the collection
Balroop Singh 5.0 out of 5 stars Heart-warming and delightful memoir Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2021
More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose by Lauren Scott is a heart-warming memoir that captures lovely moments of childhood, of parents’ love, of attachments, of campfires and hiking with the love of her life. The blissful moments come alive as Scott revels in the good times, letting nostalgia transport her into time machine, to watch the reel unfold like “pictures on a camera roll.” She talks about the value of some priceless gifts that are handed down from one generation to another; she takes pride in the stories that such “gems” tell to evoke fond memories of parents. Only the happy times have been shared in this book.
Written in a simple and straight-forward style, Lauren’s poetry is realistic. ‘To My Babies’ tugged at my heart and I am sure all mothers can relate to this delightful poem. Fragrant memories of “Earthquake Cake” made me smile. ‘Simple Existence’ is thought-provoking and made me pause to comprehend the depth of words that dance across “desert dunes and boundless oceans.” ‘Forever Steady’ too gives you a reflective message to take a breather, look at magical wilderness of nature and see how “delightfully birds sing and trees welcome our company.”
I loved this book and finished it within an hour. If you value relationships and family bonding, this book is for you.
In this series you are invited to share an extract of 500 words from your most recent book published within the last 12 months. Details at the end of the post.
The aim of the series
Today an extract from poetry and short memoir collection More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose by Lauren Scott.
About the collection
From the early woes of childhood and teen years, this collection of stories and poems paints a picture of young dreams and fears. But as adulthood sets in, these dreams and fears change. More than Coffee touches on love and loss, nature and endurance, marriage and parenting. In these memories, humor diffuses fear and taking risks proves to be a powerful method in boosting self-confidence…
View original post 1,357 more words
I’ve never participated in a poetry reading before. Even though I’ve sung in front of audiences in my youth, the thought of sharing my original poetry in person immediately starts the internal flapping of butterfly wings. Sharing behind a screen isn’t so scary.
Well, a friend of mine heard of a local poetry night taking place last week, so she encouraged me to sign up. Her exact words, “You should do it!” So I did, but not without jumpy nerves.
There were 27 poets, different ages, even some young voices which was fabulous. I prayed that I wouldn’t be the last reader because we all know the effects of anticipation. Instead, I was second to read, which was a little nerve-racking in itself, but at least it was over fast. According to my friend, I did great. And even in my mind, I thought I had done well, maybe not stellar, but well enough for the first time. I didn’t trip over any words. I didn’t sneeze or fall into a coughing fit. I stayed focused, and afterwards, I received some “Beautifuls”, which I believe is music to any artist’s ears.
Irregardless, I’m glad I finally did this, another box checked off the list. Listening to the others read their original poems or poems written by another author was also wonderful. This event turned out to be an enlightening experience.
Now, for the sake of trying something fun and different, I’m sharing an audio of the poem I read that I recently recorded. I’ve posted “Castanets” before, but I’ve made small revisions since then.
I also can’t help wonder if most people think their voices sound strange when they hear them recorded. I know I do. Nonetheless, here goes…
Castanets
Stepping outside, I stroll down the
quiet road with my lab on my left,
his gait as graceful as a galloping horse
in slow motion.
Squirrels raise their sleepy heads
because of the early hour.
The sky appears to be coal black,
but when I turn the corner, watermelon pinks,
corals, and lemon yellows take center stage.
My camera doesn’t do justice.
Then I recall my son saying, “Enjoy the moment.”
I slip that device back in my pocket.
To my right, salmon-colored roses
flaunt their fragrance and I am intoxicated.
Passing orange poppies,
their stems flutter with excitement,
eager for the sun’s ascent, and in the distance,
silence sings its serene ballad.
As the tempo of our pace speeds up,
a breeze joins us,
and the leaves on the trees lining the lane
sway in rhythm as though dancing a waltz.
Jowls flap, he smiles with brown nose
set in overdrive. The sun’s gentle touch
adds a glimmer to his copper coat.
I pause, bending down to his level,
fingers stroke shiny, silky fur,
his eyes close, contented from contact.
When we move again, his nails on the asphalt
mimic the clicking of two sets of castanets,
and in seconds, I realize these observations
are what life is all about…
seeing…feeling…smelling…listening…
being.
I hope you enjoyed…
Lauren Scott (c) ❤️
Sitting on the shore
feeling inconsequential
in its vast presence,
the surface sparkles
like a rare jewel
just discovered
Dragonflies entertain
like tiny jets
Damselflies with their
blue, iridescent wings
gracefully flit about
relatives by nature
Tiny threads of peace
weave into the marrow
of our souls
A great fortune
to play a part with nature
in this moment of existence –
to discover such a gem
Lauren Scott (c)
Dear Friends,
This is day 4 of the blog tour for Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships, a beautiful anthology compiled by Kaye Lynne Booth and Robbie Cheadle. The tour schedule is below…
Day 1: Kaye Lynne Booth at Writing to be Read started the tour with a guest post from contributing author Lauren Scott.
Day 2: D. Slayton Avery at ShiftnShake shared a guest post from blog series host, contributing author, and editor Robbie Cheadle.
Day 3: Miriam Hurdle at The Showers of Blessings hosted contributing author Lynda McKinney Lambert.
Day 4: Lauren Scott at Bay Dreamer Writes is hosting contributing author Miriam Hurdle.
Day 5: Victoria Zigler at Zigler’s News will host contributing author M.J. Mallon and share a review by Victoria Zigler.
Day 6: The publisher, Kaye Lynne Booth, will be in the interview spotlight with James J. Cudney over at This Is My Truth Now.
Day 7: Robbie Cheadle at Robbie’s Inspiration will share a guest post from contributing author Colleen M. Chesebro.
Day 8: Kaye Lynne Booth at Writing to be Read will wrap things up with a guest post from contributing author Leon Stevens.
If you follow the tour and leave a comment at each stop, you will be entered in a random drawing for a chance to win a free digital copy of
**Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships**
Today I am thrilled to feature my guest, Miriam Hurdle, a lovely poet and blogger and a contributor in this anthology. And now, I invite Miriam to talk about her poetry…
Hi Lauren, thank you for hosting me today. I’m excited about the new release of Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships. It’s my privilege to be a contributing author.
There are six of my poems in this anthology collection:
Autumn Leaves
Baby’s First Steps
I Walked Barefoot
Kindness Repeats
Rainclouds
Snow Joy
April 28 is Pay It Forward Day. I want to discuss the poem related to doing a simple act of kindness to pay it forward.
Kindness Repeats
Life has ups and downs
Friends will stay around
While outlook bright on good days
Who knows what’s ahead?
When you’re half dead
Promising scenes fade away
The kindness of heart
Brought you a fresh start
Real friends hard to be found
Only wisdom knows
What tomorrow holds
What goes around comes around
One’s fate made a turn
Stumbled, fell, and churned
Drowning into ocean’s deep
You’re right around
Sensed cries without sounds
Graciously kindness repeats
I wrote this poem with two incidents in mind.
During the recession in 2008, a friend and his subordinates lost their jobs because of the company’s downsizing. Ted was a kind person who was friendly and gentle with the guys he supervised. He kept in touch with those guys during this hard time. It was difficult to find a job during the recession. When one job was open, there would be hundreds of applicants. Ted was unemployed for many months. One day, he received a call from his former subordinate about a job opening and asked him to apply. He did and got the job. His subordinate became his boss.
Ted and I were in the same choir. He was excited to share the news with the choir members. I couldn’t help but think that Ted’s kindness toward the people working under him paid off. He received kindness in return.
We don’t always return the favor to the same person who was kind to us. But we can Pay It Forward.
On April 28, 2007, Blake Beattie started Pay It Forward Day. After beginning in Australia, the holiday now spreads love and kindness in over 85 countries. It’s a celebration of a small act of kindness that makes a big impact on the world.
In 2008, I was diagnosed with stage II melanoma cancer that progressed to stage IV. I was a recipient of ongoing love and kindness from people near and far during the entire year of treatment. I can’t return kindness to all these people. What I can do is continuously Pay It Forward to show kindness to myself and the surrounding people, no matter how small the kind act is.
Why is kindness important?
Most research on the science behind kindness has centered on oxytocin. Dr. Waguih William IsHak, a professor of psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai, said that a simple act of kindness can reward our bodies and minds with feel-good chemical substances. Sometimes called “the love hormone,” oxytocin plays a role in forming social bonds and trusting other people. It’s the hormone mothers produce when they breastfeed, cementing their bond with their babies. Acts of kindness can release hormones that contribute to your mood and overall wellbeing. However, the effect isn’t lasting. Therefore, acts of kindness have to be repeated.
I’m grateful for the kindness I received, and I want to keep my overall wellbeing. With these in mind, I practice Pay It Forward and repeat kindness.
About Miriam
Miriam Hurdle is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She published four children’s books at twenty-six years old. Her poetry collection received the Solo “Medalist Winner” for the New Apple Summer eBook Award and achieved bestseller status on Amazon.
Miriam writes poetry, short stories, memoir, and children’s books. She earned a Doctor of Education from the University of La Verne in California. After two years of rehabilitation counseling, fifteen years of public-school teaching and ten years in school district administration, she retired and enjoys life with her husband in southern California, and the visits to her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters in Oregon. When not writing, she engages in blogging, gardening, photography, and traveling.
Contact Miriam at –
Website/Blog: https://theshowersofblessings.com
Amazon Author’s Page: https://www.amazon.com/Miriam-Hurdle/e/B07K2MCSVW
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17252131.Miriam_Hurdle
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mhurdle112
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Miriam-Hurdle-Author-100123351515424
simply click on the link: https://books2read.com/u/3kP8aK
Baydreamer 