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.