After All This Time…

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Blogging, Life, Writing

Dear Friends,

My blog sat alone for almost a year and a half, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Baydreamer and I had been forgotten. At the end of 2018, I posted about the success of a medical procedure, and then I fell off the blog for over a year? Since then my health has been back to normal, but soon after, I felt the need to disengage from technology. Now, I’m drawn to blogging again because with physical distancing, the connections that blogging offers are welcomed. As to writing, I drifted from poetry; instead, I have been writing personal essays and trying my hand at fiction, which has been challenging but rewarding. Occasionally, though, a poem begins to form.

How surreal I return in uncertain times, living in a pandemic world. I realize when the sun shines and the sky brightens to a beautiful cerulean blue, my attitude shifts to positive thoughts. When I stroll around our backyard, enjoying all the spring blooms, I wonder if the flowers have the slightest hunch of what Covid-19 is and its impact on human society. Probably not, which is why they bloom in spite of the bleakness all around the globe.

Don’t these flowers radiate joy? How can the same elation flood through our veins despite hearing the grim accounts of this virus? Answers vary, but two thoughts come to mind: Faith and Hope. Whatever you believe in and no matter how far you need to stretch to grasp even a fraction of Hope, without these, we can easily become defeated and remain in that gloomy headspace. It seems taking one day at a time is applicable once again.

Even while practicing physical distancing, there is some good that comes to light: I have seen more smiles on the street while walking our chocolate lab mix, Copper. Not to mention, the neighborhood has never been so joyfully packed with people of all ages out for a walk. This truly is a welcoming site. Stories of people helping each other are abundant – offering to grocery shop for a neighbor or reaching out to those who are lonely where isolation is more challenging. These simple gestures are a means to stay sane in the midst of this insane scenario. Acts of kindness make us feel good and they afford a sense of purpose. At 8 pm each night in our community, everyone howls in gratitude for the heroes working in essential jobs risking their lives for us. My family participates in this gesture of appreciation, and Copper sings his part in the chorus, too.

However, five weeks into sheltering-in-place does not advise complacency. It’s not over until it’s over. We still need to be responsible in taking precautions to help mitigate the spreading of the virus. We wash our hands a million times a day, hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes stay within reach, and we wear masks and gloves, not just to protect ourselves but to protect each other. Those who have lost loved ones to the virus remain in our hearts. This health crisis is serious and if any doubts arise, simply turn on the news. There is no exemption card. The effects from Covid-19 are devastating, overwhelming, and heartbreaking.

But while staying at home, the time is at hand to find beauty in each day: an opportunity to complete unfinished projects, spend quality time with family, get exercise, pick up a good book, put thoughts to paper, or step outside where flora and fauna are abundant. I revel in the gorgeous spring blooms where hope blossoms. They provide a sense of normalcy in these most abnormal circumstances. My family and friends are doing well and we are beyond grateful. And after all this time, thank you so much for stopping by, but mostly, I hope you’ll stay safe and healthy. 

For those of you who are new to my site or who haven’t visited my other pages, I encourage you to visit my “About Me” page and sign my “Guestbook.” 

In Love and Friendship,

Lauren

 

Lauren Scott (c) 2020

 

 

 

67 thoughts on “After All This Time…”

      1. Mary Lee Marcom

        Lauren, this piece is beautifully written and inspires me to continue on with my writing. This is also showing the “you” that I have come to know and love. I look forward to your next gift to us. Mary Lee

  3. So glad that you recovered well from your operation, and welcome back. Some time away from things often helps us to come back with a fresh perspective and with the way the world is at the moment we all need the encouragement and friendship of others and I guess the social media world at least makes that possible. Looking forward to reading more posts Lauren.

    Reply

  4. It is great t see you back, Lauren. Your absence has been noticed. You are not the only one who feel the need for a pause for whatever reason. As you
    say, being isolated makes our contacts on line very precious.

    Welcome🤗.

    Miriam

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Miriam, and it’s great to hear I haven’t been forgotten. And I know I’m not the only one who takes breaks. They’re needed every so often. I look forward to reading more of your lovely posts too. 🌻

      Reply
  6. Michael

    Mom, welcome back to the blogging world! Beautiful words, especially in these times. Looking forward to seeing you share more of your writing. 🙂

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Balroop. That’s nice to hear after all this time. And nature can never disappoint us. I look forward to reading your beautiful writing. Stay well, too! 🥰

      Reply

      1. I can imagine it feels good. I always enjoy my time with friends on WordPress. Since it’s been awhile, I’m not sure which books you’ve read. My fourth book will release in August. It’s been a crazy ride! ❤

  10. Welcome back, Lauren. In these days of social distancing, we are all looking for a bright spot – the sun (I could use a month of sunny days), flowers in the yard or a beautiful arrangement in a vase, Facetime with my granddaughter who just lost her 2nd tooth on top (she looks so cute when she smiles), a phone call or text from a friend. Yes, here too we are seeing more people out and smiling or waving, even if you don’t know each other (we live in an over 55 community and nearly everyone here has some issue that makes social distancing a must). We will all get through this together. Stay safe my friend. Love and hugs.

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Michelle, and I like how you put it – looking for a bright spot. When we have gloomy weather under these circumstances, it makes everything feel a little more depressing. But when the sun shines in a blue sky, things almost, almost seem normal. I’m sure your granddaughter is adorable with her missing-tooth smile. And phone calls, Face-time, and texting have come in handy. I talk to our daughter often and wish she lived closer, but have to just be thankful that she and her fiance are healthy and pray they stay that way. Stay safe, too, and sending lots of love and virtual hugs.

      Reply

  12. A beautiful and refreshing post Lauren, it made me realise the value of supportive words in these times is invaluable, and can make a difference to those whose stress levels are undergoing a massive trial, keep posting Lauren, your words are therapeutic.

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Ian, for stopping by and for your beautiful words. The impact is different for everyone, so any encouragement is nice to hear and it’s also good to give to others for the reason you mentioned. I think I’ll try to post once a week on Fridays, so we shall see. I hope you have a good weekend, maybe write more of your lovely poetry…

      Reply

  13. Yay! I’m SO glad you’re back. And I’m so grateful that we found out we have a mutual CA friend who matched us up without knowing that we’re already “blogging buddies.” This is a beautiful post, Lauren, reminding us to search for the beauty, kindness, and love around us every minute of the day. ❤

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Pam! I think “talking” with you slowly nudged me in this direction. It feels right, and maybe Fridays will be my posting days. I’m SO glad, too, that we have a mutual friend, and it’s still so funny how small the world is! I appreciate your kind words about my post, too, and wish you a peaceful weekend with nature all around to enjoy. Hugs 💗

      Reply
  14. Matt

    Honey,
    As others note, welcome back to one of your passions!
    Your poetry and stories are a source of inspiration to them and me. It is awesome to be your husband, best friend, and back country trail partner!
    LU M

    Reply
  15. Stephanie Swalberg

    Hello Mom,
    Welcome back! After almost a decade of blogging and a year and a half being away from it, I’m sure it feels good to wipe the dust off and start this next chapter!
    Writing has always been a part of you; I’m happy that you’re taking the leap, diving into writing short stories while always keeping poetry close to your heart!
    May this next chapter of blogging bring you light, joy, challenges, and community!
    Sending love to you and the fam from TN!
    Glad you’re all safe and healthy!
    Steph xoxo

    Reply

  16. Lauren, so glad you returned to the world of blogging! This is a beautiful post – your thoughts and sentiments, and the lovely flowers are all so welcome…. just what we needed right now. You picked a perfect time. 😊 (Afraid I’m not here very often, but I’ll try to catch all your posts. So glad we have email!)

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Betty, and don’t worry about catching each post. Just visit when you can and I always appreciate your comments and support. Yeah, what a time to return! Who would’ve thought? I’m glad we have email, too. So, stay safe and chat soon. xo

      Reply

  17. Strange times indeed right now, and it is strange times when we usually have a different perception on the world. It is lovely that you have come back to blogging. There’s always time for blogging whenever we want – all we have to do is take our time. I think you are so right that after about a month of sheltering, it is not over. From here I think we’ve got more physical distancing to do and staying indoors as much as possible before this all blows over. Here in Australia it’s quiet and most people are cooperating, which is great to see. Keep admiring those flowers, Lauren 🙂

    Reply

    1. Thanks for stopping by, Mabel, and taking our time in anything we do in life is probably great advice. I’m glad most people near you are cooperating with the physical distancing and staying at home. It’s the same here, too. If there’s any situation where patience is needed, it’s during this pandemic. I hope you have flowers to admire, too; they have a way of cheering up the dreariest day. Take care and be well, Lauren

      Reply
  18. mumsthewordblog1

    Great post Lauren, I could really identify with it. We had a break from our blog aw well for the last year , and the covid-19 virus has brought us back to blogging. It really is amazing that we are all experiencing this together worldwide. The color in your flower photos are really lovely. Also glad to hear you have recovered well from your recent operation. Tracey

    Reply

    1. Hi Tracey, Thanks so much for your kind words and I’m glad you could identify with my thoughts too. This definitely is a good time to return to blogging if there ever was one. Flowers have seem to be even more inspiring than in the past, probably because they are hope and new life. Anyway, take care and stay safe, Lauren

      Reply

  19. Lauren, it’s lovely to see your post here and I’ve been checking back and forth over the year to see if you’d written. I’m glad you and your family are all well. Oh, these are the most surreal of times and I too feel the juxtaposition of finding moment of joy in the midst of this nightmare. Nature is a real tonic and I too have noticed how the neighbourhood has flourished in new formed friendships… from afar of course! I’ve never seen so many people out on walks and we all crave a quick chat.

    For now we must have infinite patience and hope … with hugs and more hugs, Annika xx

    Reply

    1. Thanks for stopping by, Annika. No, this is the first post in over a year. Can you believe it? I just needed to unplug, but now I feel the need to plug back in after missing you and so many good friends here. You’re right, we need infinite patience if there ever was a good time, and hopefully, the new normal will be just as inviting as the old one was. But until then, we’ll allow nature to entertain in its most intoxicating ways. Big hugs to you and stay safe. xo

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  20. Welcome back, Lauren! Thank you for the beautiful flower pictures. I find bright colors bring a cheerful mood. I also have been engaging more with my blog now with the social distancing. Take Care and many blessings, Lisa

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Lisa, and I guess if anyone was taking a break, now is a good time to reconnect. I’m glad you enjoyed my flowers. I’m finding them more inspiring than ever. Enjoy the bright colors around you and stay safe. 🌷💗

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  21. Oh, I’m so glad you’re back, my dear Lauren. Eventhough we haven’t lost touch [FB], I’ve missed your presence here and your beautiful posts! …and yes, your flowers radiate joy! Welcome back!!!!! xoxoxoxo

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Debby! Yes, it’s changed in a most unexpected way, hasn’t it? Still so surreal, but in all the darkness, I believe there are lessons to learn and life to reflect upon. Stay safe! 💗

      Reply

    1. Thanks, Charlotte. I’ve actually been writing ever since I unplugged from blogging. But it’ll feel good to connect with you all again. Take care and stay safe, Lauren 💕

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  26. Welcome back to the blogosphere, Lauren!! So lovely to see and read you again, and thank you for your visit to my site. 😀 I’m so glad to hear that you and yours are well, and that you use this time to find the beauty in the little things. It’s a strange world we find us in these days and hope and faith are just as mandatory to see us through as are masks and washing hands. Stay safe and healthy,my friend! 💕

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Sarah, and thanks for visiting here, too. I know I’ve been gone a long time. 🙂 You said it perfectly that hope and faith are just as important as masks and washing hands. Otherwise, we’d easily spiral downwards. I’m happy to find you doing well, too. Sending hugs, Lauren 🌼

      Reply

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