Lots of Love, Giraffes, and Lockers!

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry

Hi Everyone,

I’m writing this post as Friday evening is upon us. The sun hasn’t dipped behind the trees yet, but the photo above is one of my favorite images from ‘our’ lake in the Sierra Mountains. I will never own enough photos of sunsets and sunrises. Do you feel the same? It’s parallel with never having too many photos of our kids and pets. 🙂

Anyway, here’s a little update for those who haven’t heard…I did not win 2023 Author of the Year at Spillwords. However, I am super happy for my friend, Cindy at Unique Times, who did walk away with this award. Way to go, Cindy! Please check out her post to read more! I always leave her site smiling! She exudes joy no matter what she writes about.

And thank you to those who voted for me. Your support means more than you know, and it encourages me to keep on writing! Not to mention, being nominated felt like winning in itself. So, Congrats again to Cindy, to all nominees, and to winners in all categories! 🎉

Now to change the subject! I read some wonderful books last year and wrote reviews that I’m late in sharing, so here are a couple :

Neema the Misfit Giraffe by Robbie and Michael Cheadle

Robbie and Michael Cheadle are a talented mother/son duo writing team who have published several children’s books. Neema the Misfit Giraffe is their latest accomplishment, but although this book was written for children ages 2-9 years old, adults will enjoy Neema’s touching tale. All ages will benefit from the lesson Robbie and Michael incorporate through easy-to-read rhyming verse. Neema doesn’t fit in with the crowd that she deems as normal. She looks different than the giraffes she wishes to befriend, but they don’t like her simply because of this difference. Instead of letting kindness lead, they allow prejudice to dictate their behavior.

The notion of judging a book by a cover is unending, but we know this isn’t fair to anyone. Everyone has a story that deserves to be heard. Not only is the cover gorgeous, but the story of Neema is accompanied with lovely photographs from the duo’s personal adventures, along with Robbie’s incredible artwork. Video footage is also included that will take you to You Tube to watch these graceful animals in their natural habitats. You’ll enjoy the giraffe fun facts at the end of the story which offer an educational element.

I bought the paperback because I’m in a book-collecting mode. But I also love the feel of the pages as I progress to the end. So, this lovely book comes highly recommended for children and adults who enjoy a good life lesson, a reminder of the wonderful ripple effect of showing kindness. And I highly recommend the paperback to fully appreciate the beauty of this book.

Locker by Michelle Ayon Navajas is a collection of 57 flash fiction stories with poetic ingredients sprinkled throughout the prose. I am familiar with the author’s beautiful and evocative poetry, so to read these fiction stories was truly a treat that enlightened me to the scope of her talent as a writer. Locker, the title of this collection, obviously infers a compartment where personal possessions are safely kept, and a key is required to unlock it. But the word locker can infer a variety of meanings, such as “the realization of another unlocked dream” as stated by Navajas in her introduction.

The stories can be read as stand-alone, but the commonality in each is the array of emotions the reader experiences that sometimes parallel with reality. Navajas touches on love, death, loss, betrayal, miscarriage, and abuse. As much as these fiction stories effortlessly drew me in, the Introduction alone was compelling. Navajas informs the reader that she is a dreamer, but her actions demonstrate that she’s not only a talker but a doer. And she is not afraid of a challenge; in fact, writing fiction was her subsequent dream following the writing of poetry. However, flash fiction is not as easy feat. The author must condense the essential storytelling elements into 1500 words or less. Navajas convincingly executes this requirement. And her desire to learn a new form of writing would inspire any author to do the same.

I read Locker over the course of several days, taking my time and savoring each combination of fiction and poetic elegance. Not to mention, I intend to reread this collection. When I love a good book or movie, I delight in those second readings or viewings for new takeaways, components that were possibly missed the first time around. Additionally, in most collections of poetry or fiction, I dog-ear the pieces that stand out, and this book with its vibrant, amazing cover is dog-eared from the beginning to the very last page. A few favorites are: “Kiss”, “Alone”, “Withering Heights”, “Photographs”, and “Growth”.

Locker is for anyone who doesn’t mind a soft nudge into revisiting their own ‘locker’ while realizing that they are not alone in feeling the emotions that encompass their hearts and minds. The uplifting tone also offers encouragement to move forward after enduring the challenges and heartbreaks that befall us. Slowly savoring this story collection is highly recommended!

And now I’ll leave you with a song that has a timeless message, and it just might transport you back a few years. 🙂

Happy Friday, have a lovely weekend, and thanks for stopping by! Cheers! ❤️🥂
P.S. More reviews of amazing books coming soon!

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.

A collection of poems about nature,
love, and the mysteries of life.
Click on the image to purchase your copy.
Thank you! 💚

83 thoughts on “Lots of Love, Giraffes, and Lockers!”

  1. Happy Friday, Lauren! I got an email about Cindy being the winner. I wish they also announced who got the second and third!! Excellent reviews! I’ll read Robbie’s book next.

  3. Beautiful sunset image, Lauren, and I agree: you can never have enough sunset (or sunrise) photos. :)

    As for the voting results, as far as I’m concerned, all the nominees are winners. Your work is gorgeous and deep and meaningful and so resonant. But even more, your writing comes from a golden heart and a beautiful soul. I look forward to reading what you create and share with us, my friend. Keep spreading the hope because this world needs writers like you. :)

    1. Hi Mike, I’m not surprised you agree with me about sunrises and sunsets. I must have a million photos on my cell. 🙂 And oh my, your words about winning, my writing, and me brought happy tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for your kindness and friendship. I’m actually speechless, which doesn’t happen often. But just know that through your words, you provide the tools for me to keep moving forward with my writing and projects. Sending hugs, my friend. ❤️

  4. A very gracious message of gratitude, as well as congratulations to Cindy, Lauren. And you’re right on the music for sure… the world does need more love. You show much of it!

    1. Thanks so much, Steve. In any competition, someone will ‘win’ and someone will ‘lose’ but I just feel like we’re all winners. I’m happy that Cindy walked away with the trophy though. 🙂 I have Dionne on my Spotify and that song played which inspired me to share it here. It’s so relevant no matter what decade we’re living in, isn’t it? Thanks always for your kind words. I hope you have a good weekend. ❤️

  7. Hi Lauren,
    That sunset is beautiful and not Unlike our Lake house sky images. It makes me miss being there. I am so grateful
    for your very kind comment appreciating me, thank you truly. I was so honored to share the nomination with you and it could have been any one of us! Thank you so much for the shout out which means so much to me!!!
    Great reviews of Robbie and Mich’s books that grace my office and bring pleasure and quilt to 😳😩since my intention is to read all the books on my TBR pile. So many books so little time and I’m such a slooow reader.
    Hugs and love and thanks once again!!! ❤️

    1. Hi Cindy,
      I’m glad you enjoyed the sunset too, and it’s my absolute pleasure. I was happy to see that you received the trophy! 🙂 Yes, it could’ve been any one of us, so we’re all still winners in my book. But enjoy the ride on Cloud 9! Thanks about my reviews also, and I understand about your leaning TBR. Mine is the same! I read a lot, but I’m slow in writing the reviews. Happy Saturday, and hugs and love to you! 🩷🌷🎉

      1. I sure did and you on skis this morning.. fun times. It could have but remember you only started posting there later and said “I was inspired submit because of you, thanks for inspiring”. or something like that so see, you have to give seniority to your elders lol.. You have a lot of years. Whew that’s the job for me!!!! ❤️💓 both are tricky but I vow to improve.. Have a great day!!! xo xo❤️💓❤️ ..

      2. I came across that photo on my cell and it felt like a good one to share on a Friday. It was taken on our 30th Ann. in Pinecrest; we rented a cabin and went snow shoeing and hiking. So fun! Ahh, so you had inspired me to post! And elders? I don’t think so! LOL Enjoy, my friend, and there is room for improvement for all of us. We’re always learning every single day. Hugs 🥰😍💞🥂

      3. That’s the only kind of skiing I would consider these days!!!
        Soo cute and gorgeous!!
        What’s a few years between friends haha!
        We are learning and unlearning and learning again alright with every new decade. Hugs back 🤗❤️🤗

  8. Hi Lauren, thank you for this thoughtful review of Neema, I appreciate it. Michelle’s book sounds intriguing, I will add it. I’m currently reading two lovely poetry books. Being nominated for the Spillwords award is a great honor. Well done 🙏💛

    1. Hi Robbie, you’re so welcome! I had already posted my review on Amazon and GR, but I hadn’t done a blog post yet. I’m glad you’re happy with it! I love the book, and the cover is gorgeous! I’m sure Michelle will be happy to know you’ll add hers to your towering TBR. And thank you for your kind words about the nomination. I’m very honored, and I’m excited for Cindy to walk away with the trophy. 🙂 Enjoy your weekend! 🩷🌷

      1. I often post my reviews to my blog a few weeks after I post to Goodreads and Amazon. I don’t post more than one review a week to each blog because I like the authors to get some time in the sun, if that makes sense to you.

  9. I love Dionne Warwick (my daughter’s middle name is after her) This is one of my favourite songs of hers. Great reviews of some wonderful books. I’d like to add my congratulations to Cindy as well as to you for being nominated!

    2. Oh, how coincidental, Darlene. I was listening to Dionne on my Spotify and this song stood out. I thought it would be a good takeaway for a new post. Thanks for your kind words about my reviews, and for your good wishes to Cindy and I. Have a great weekend! 🩷

    1. And you are so, so sweet, Marina! Thank you for your good wishes for Cindy and me! And I’m glad you liked the reviews. I am so far behind on everything. (sigh) Hugs back to you, dear friend, and wishing you the same. I remember you said that you were moving. Am I remembering right? If so, is the big move all finished? ❤️🌺🥂🌷

      1. Ah… we’re still in the building process! The move will take place sometime before summer! Not looking forward to the packing / unpacking bit 😱 but knowing we’ll be living in our own home, makes it all worth it!
        More love and hugs your ways! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

      2. Oh, that’s right. I forgot you were building. That’s exciting though and I’m happy for you, even though the packing/unpacking isn’t fun. Like you said, it will all be worth it! Lots of hugs and love heading your way! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

  13. You’re a winner, Lauren.
    As for sunsets I agree with you. One cannot get enough of such.

    Beautiful reviews. Just splendid words. I’m sure the authors are happy about this. Xoxo

    2. Aww, thanks, Selma! Being nominated made me feel like one, and I’m happy for Cindy! I’m also glad you agree about the sunsets. I have about a million photos on my cell. 🙂 Thanks for your kind words about my reviews too. Enjoy your weekend, my friend. 🩷🌷

  14. Yay for Lauren!

    I, as many, adore you work. “Ever So Gently” is special and so are you.

    Onwards and upwards!

    Robbie andMichael’s books are wonderful.I haven’t read this one, but sure hope to.

    Locker sounds as moving as poetry. You wrote positive reviews for both. Congrats to all of the authors!

    Sending a giant hug through the atmosphere. It should fall on you momentarily, so be warned!

    💖🌟💐xo

    1. Aww, thanks a bunch, Resa! I love and appreciate your energy and encouragement! As to Robbie and Michael’s book, I know you’d love Neema’s story. Locker is how you described it too. Thanks for your good wishes, and I got the hug! Yay! LOL I’m sending another huge hug and it’s heading north! It’s almost there!
      🤗💖🤗💖🤗

      9. Hearts! I got hearts. I also got bars. They came out as bars, stacked horizontally. heart, then bars, then heart then bars…
        I’ve had this before, from other bloggers. I’m using my notifications bell.
        So, I’m going to you exact post, to see what WP is up to. xoxoxo

      12. No worries.. on your blog it’s Heart with a bow, then a square… repeated.
        Please, feel better soon, and don’t worry about my crazy comments!
        I adore you!
        xoxoxo

  15. First, congratulations on making it to the finals, Lauren. It’s where you deserved to be. Second, I’m truly excited that one of the two of you won, not that I’m sure all of the others aren’t worthy as well, but you are the two I have come to know and respect. Finally, yes I love sunsets, and I have taken hundreds of them in the Sierras over the years. Now refresh me on which is your lake? 🙂

    1. What a nice thing for you to ‘say’ Curt! Thanks so much! I know Cindy would feel just as touched by your words. As for sunsets, I’m not surprised because of the love you have for nature in all its beauty. Our favorite lake in the Sierras is Loon Lake. It’s as stunning as Lake Tahoe but without the touristy stuff. When you arrive, you’re there to relax in camp or by the lake, to take a dip (which we love to do), or to hike around. No shopping, just cooking in camp and enjoying wine at night and coffee in the morning. There’s the reader’s digest version. I could say more. 🙂 And thanks again!

      1. Used to be one of my sisters favorite camping spots. I’ve had a couple of interesting adventures along the road including having a friend get lost in a snowstorm overnight there one time, and running into Patty Hearst and her SLA buddies another. Both will be included in a book I am presently working on with a working title of Ut-Oh. 🙂

    1. Thanks for your lovely comment, Teagan. I’m glad you like my song and singer choice. I heard it on my Spotify and it just clicked to use it. Still relevant, isn’t it? I’m sure Robbie will be thrilled with your good wishes too. Hugs coming your way! 😍🥰

  17. A beautiful Image Lauren, and sorry to hear you didn’t win… Congrats to the winner…
    And thank you for sharing your read of Giraffes, and Lockers..
    I hope you had a restful weekend… and love that Song!!… 🙂
    Sending Hugs your way xx ❤

    1. Thanks a bunch, Sue, and it’s okay. Just being nominated felt like winning and I’m happy for Cindy. I’m glad you enjoyed the reviews and song that stays relevant regardless of the passing of time. Hugs to you too, dear friend. xoxoxo

  20. Hello Lauren,

    Yes keep writing as it’s a blessing for all of us and a nice way to share beauty and what matters.

    I agree with you, I’ll never have enough of sunrises or sunsets. These times of the day are so beautiful, delightful. I could spend hours looking at them.

    Thanks for sharing these reviews too – I am always on for a good english read!

    Have a sweet week and read you soon. 💕

  23. Being from Quebec (any contest must also be translated into French) I was unable to participate but it really would have been a challenge for me to decide between you and Cindy as it must also have been for the judges.

    You and your writing are a bright light for me. ❤

  24. Excellent reviews Lauren! I will definitely pick up both of these books! I love books and reading and am always on the hunt for new ones to read! xo

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