Hi All,
For those of you who have asked, I’m feeling better since that post a couple of weeks ago. But I’m still working through two health conditions that began last year – a double whammy. Changes are constant, but when those changes are permanent and challenging, it takes time to figure out how to live them. As with anything, time will tell and help me decide what do to next. But I’m thankful to feel a little better with no brain fog. Anyway, enough of that, and now on with my exciting news!
I was surprised to find this beautiful review of my book from Michelle Ayon Navajas on this Monday morning. And I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start my week. Her wonderful words truly touched me, so, I had to share her full review:
βThe sky is the limitβ they say, but I think not even the sky has the power to limit the endless possibilities of how our minds work.
I was struggling with Reenaβs prompt this week. Not for anything else but simply because I wanted it to be a motivational piece, and maybe I suck at writing motivational pieces so I had to put this prompt aside and went to write my long overdue review of Lauren Scottβs book βEver So Gentlyβ.
I was down with the last pages of the book, when an epiphany happened. This book is about the quote prompt of Reena; βI think if you are curious, you create opportunities, and then if you open the doors, you create possibilities.β β Mario Testino
βEver So Gentlyβ is a collection of soul-soothing journey pieces of poetry packed up with calming scenes of early morning communion with nature. It is with our interaction with nature that we discover the endless possibilities about life and living it to the fullest. βThe sky is the limitβ they say, but I think even the sky would be jealous at how beautiful Lauren wrote her collection.
βIn Good Companyβ begins:
βWe stroll among redwood trees,
our steps slow down, we are in good company.β
I could almost feel the magical power in my hands through Laurenβs lyrical prose, and we know that when one believes in magic (magic happens).
βClouds understand why we wait.β This is one of my adored lines from the book. Clouds may have a βnot so good reputationβ for bringing in heavy rains or for signaling the coming of a storm (could be both literal and metaphorical), but in her book, Lauren had me stopped and pondered. Clouds, after all arenβt that bad. It can be a sign of something good or better. It can be a friend who gives us a signal or warning that a rain is coming, we must be ready. So, clouds do give us the chance to prepare and be ready for the challenges we may encounter as the rain pours.
βFirst Breathβ, is my favorite. It is about a motherβs love, the reason being my favorite is obvious. I am mother and anything that speaks highly of a motherβs love is grately admired by me.
βWith every new miracle of life
answers arenβt scripted in the stars,
but I knew since your very
first breath
my life would become yours.β
Every child is a blessing and Lauren said it so beautifully in this poem. It also brought me to tears and reminded me of my own journey as a mother to four beautiful daughters.
Laurenβs book is not only about creating and opening doors of possibilities but also of celebrating wonderful memories.
Her communion with nature brings forth wisdom of mother earth that unfolds through her stunning imagery like: βhear the rustle of a skittering squirrel,β βpetals of velvet invite raindrops to bask in their peach enchantment,β and βbreeze carries burdens down rivers.β
This book will surely uplift your spirit, and make you fall in love with love, create more memories with your loved ones, and appreciate nature even more. If you are not the type who loves to taka quiet walk in the morning or early in the evening, this book will make you wanna grab your walking or running and go for a short easy- breezy walk. As for me who used to run in around my neighborhood, it made me miss those moments. I said βused toβ because I no longer do it as often as I do it before pandemic.
Here are some of Laurenβs memorable imagery:
βThe sky explodes in tangerines, salmons, canary yellows β brighter with every second. Itβs as though a painter swished her brush back and forthβ¦β
βAnd water hasnt caressed the hills
The earth, parched like Chileβs Atacama.β
βSilk-thread drizzles dusted rooftops and parched hills.β
Lauren wrote in various poetic styles and forms from free versse to syllabic poetry like haiku, tanka, etheree, shadorma β this collection will not bore you. She made these forms looked so easy to write.
Lauren emphasizes how mysterious life is. She also made me ponder deeper into the essence of my own existence while reflecting upon my journey in life, and that at the end of it all no matter how difficult life is, we must not forget to love and live life ever so gently.
This book is best read with a hot chocolate or a coffee as you curl up and savor each poem.
Visit Laurenβs blog to read more of her brilliant poetry:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks again, Michelle! Outside, darkness still befalls the neighborhood, but you have brought an early sunrise. π₯°

If you haven’t met Michelle yet, please visit her blog to read her evocative poetry. And thank you for stopping by! β€οΈ
Β© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com β All rights reserved.

A collection of poems that speaks of natureβs healing touch,
how love shapes our lives, and the mysteries of life.
Click on the image to purchase your copy. Thank you! π
Congratulations, Lauren! π§‘π· That is truly a beautiful review! What a wonderful surprise!
I’m praying you feel better soon. xo
thank you Kymber
Thanks so much, Kymber. I’m thrilled with Mich’s review and appreciate your support too. And thanks for your prayers. Hugs π
Hugs, Lauren. xo
What a great review. I couldn’t agree more! I’m glad you are starting to feel better. Baby steps. π
Thank you so much Lauren for sharing this review. I want more people to read your book.
It’s too beautiful to not share, Mich, and thanks again! π
thank you Darlene.
Thanks, Darlene! Mich really gave me a great start this week, and your support is also appreciated. And thanks about feeling better too. Baby steps are the best way to move forward. β€οΈ
A wonderful review
Thanks again, Sadje, and when you have the chance, I hope you enjoy my book. π©·
Hopefully soon. Thanks
Thank you! π₯°
Pleasure π
Glad youβre feeling better Lauren.
And yay for this stellar review. Congratulations π
Thanks so much on both counts, Selma! Hugs! π
π€
Beautiful review from Mich π
Look after yourself Lauren π
Hugs xox
Thanks for reading and commenting on both of our sites, Maggie. Your support is appreciated, and I am. π One day at a time. Hugs to you for a happy Monday. π©·
My pleasure Lauren xox
πβ£οΈπ
Well done to you!β
Thanks, Annette! This was a wonderful surprise! π
Congratulations on this wonderful review, Lauren. How are you doing?
Thanks so much, Robbie. Mich wrote a lovely review. As to how I’m doing, I had to stop a medication because the side effects were awful. So I’m taking a break on meds. I’ll have to see how the nerve in my foot is acting, so far, it’s been calm. And It’s been 3 weeks since I had the epidural for the leg pain, and up until last week, I only felt minimal relief. I felt better (less pain) over the weekend, so I’m not sure if the epidural is kicking in. Again, time will tell. But this last weekend was the best in a while, so I have to hold onto the good days. Thanks for asking. π π
I hope it continues to improve, Lauren. As I said previously, Iβve walked this road with mom π€
Thanks, Robbie. I hope so too. I know you have a better understanding. I just feel young at 62 to have my ability to walk long distances compromised even though I’m in the age bracket when our bodies can change. π Such is life though! We all have things we deal with and age does not discriminate. So, moving forward! π©·
It is life. You can look for another fun activity. It just requires a change in mind set π
Right, which is why I have the stationary bike and we got our bikes out. π₯°
Congratulations on a beautiful review that Michelle submitted Lauren. I know you are so delighted. Glad you’re doing better my dear! π₯°ππΌπ
Thanks so much, Kym! Mich’s review brightened my Monday. π And thanks regarding my health. I feel better, but these conditions are here to stay. I’m learning acceptance and management at a slow pace. Hugs xoxo
You are so very welcome and I love your positive attitude my dear. Continue to stay encouraged. That’s all we can do sometimes to make a situation feel better. Hugs and smooches Lauren! πππ
What a wonderful review, congratulations! π₯³
Thanks so much, Pooja! Your support is appreciated too! π·β€οΈ
You’re welcome! βΊοΈ
A wonderful review by Michelle and wonderful to hear you are getting better, my dear Lauren! xoxoxoxoxoxo
Thanks for your lovely words, Marina! Hope all is well with you! π©·π·π©·π·π©·
All well, just a little overwhelmed with the house project. Sending many many hugs! ππ€ππΈ
I understand, but just breathe, and I hope everything is going smoothly for you guys. More hugs to you, my friend! xoxoxoxoxo
Congratulations on the stellar review! I love how Michelle describes the way she interacted with the individual poems and the book as a whole.
Thanks, Liz, and I agree with you! β€οΈ
You’re welcome, Lauren!
I meant to add that I’m glad you’re feeling better!
Thanks again, Liz! It’s good to feel more human. π
You’re welcome, Lauren! Feeling less than human is never fun.
I’m glad to know you are feeling better and that the brain fog has lifted. What a treat for you to receive such a lovely review… another lift! I hope your week continues to build on this positive start.
Thanks on all counts, Steve. Living life one day at a time has become paramount. And yes, Michelle’s review is such a treat, and the lift is appreciated. LOL It’s a wonderful feeling for authors to know that their work touches others. So, thank you, my friend. And I hope for the same for your week! π€
Thank you, Lauren. So far, so good! π€
First, it’s good to know you’re making some headway with regards to your health challenges.βWishing the best for you always, Lauren.βπ
Second, what a magnificent review by Michelle!βSuch an in-depth look at your poetic stylings and love for nature.βYou deserve all the praise and accolades you receive, my talented friend.β
Sending you warm wishes and encouragement from chilly Colorado!βπ
Thanks so much, Mike. I appreciate your encouragement regarding my health. The two issues I’m dealing with are here to stay, but I’m feeling more human and hope it continues…One day at a time always, and Michelle’s beautiful review really brightened up the start of my week. It feels so good to read how my writing has affected others in such a positive way. I hope you feel the same after you’ve turned the last page. Like you said, Mich dove deep which truly touched my heart. Thanks for the warm wishes! It’s been warmer and sunny like spring here, which has been such a nice change from all the rain. Sunshine helps with the mindset too. π Sending hugs from CA. π€
So glad to hear that you are feeling better, and the brain fog has lifted. Congratulations on the well deserved and excellent review!
Thanks for your kind words, Mark. It’s always good to feel more human again, and I am thrilled with Michelle’s review. I hope you enjoy my book as much when you get the chance to read it. π
What a wonderful review, Lauren, and I am glad you are feeling better. π
Thanks very much, Eugi. A wonderful feeling on both counts. π π©·
Sorry to hear you weren’t feeling well, Lauren. It has been a bit since I was blogging last. It is a blessing to receive beautiful reviews such as these.
With many Blessings
Lisa xoxo
Thanks, Lisa! These conditions are here to stay, but I’m trying to figure out what works best to manage them. And yes, what a treat and blessing to receive Mich’s beautiful review. Stay well! β€οΈ
You are welcome, Lauren. I have a few chronic conditions myself. It isn’t easy but I have learned to manage them. Some days are better than others. You stay well too. xoxo
Exactly, Lisa. Take care and have a great day! xoxo
xoxo
A beautiful review! Well done!!
Thanks so much for reading! π
It was a great review, Lauren, capturing the beauty and power of your words. Like many others, I am glad to see you are feeling better. βCurt
Thanks so much, Curt. I appreciate you reading Mich’s lovely review, and I appreciate your kind words about me feeling better. Have a good day wherever you are! π
We just settled into Winnemucca, Nevada for the night, Lauren. We are just wrapping up our drive across the US. We will spend a few days in Carson City and then it is on to Big Sur/Carmel/Monterey for a couple of weeks.
Sounds awesome, Curt! Enjoy and take lots of pics! I know you will! π
Yep. π Guaranteed. As you are well aware, it would be almost impossible not to enjoy a journey up the Pacific Coast. I figured out today it will be just over a thousand miles!
Of course that would be awesome, Curt! Stay safe and have fun! π
Michelle is such a good-hearted woman! Congratulations!
Yes, she is, Dawn. Thanks so much! Her review was a great surprise. π
A wonderful surprise for you, Lauren! ππ» Michelle’s highlights were a delight to read. Take care and hope you continue to feel better. πΌ
It really was, Michelle! I’m glad you enjoyed her highlights, and thank you for your wishes too. π
That’s great, Lauren.
Thanks for reading, Binky!
I couldn’t love this review more. Just fabulous. She has inspired me to sit down and write mine, it’s been so busy and I’ve been putting it off. It’s time. Thanks for sharing Lauren and I’m thrilled to hear you are feeling better. Hugs, C
Thanks so much, Cheryl! Mich’s review is amazing and a perfect surprise for a Monday morning. And thanks in advance! I hope you enjoyed ESG! π Can’t wait to read your thoughts! I have also been slow in writing reviews, so you’re not alone. I appreciate your kind words about my health also. With each day that I feel good, it’s a good day. Hugs π
Congratulations, Lauren β€οΈ The review by Mich is stunning.
Thanks so much for reading, Aboli. I appreciate your kind words. π
You’re welcome, Lauren π
A brilliant review, and it’s all true.
Lauren, you deserve every drop of praise you’ve received for this book.
Lol, and I thought “More Than Coffee” couldn’t get better.
Hugs! xoxoπΈπ·
Thanks so much, Resa! Your support means a lot to me, more than you know. And you’re funny about “More than Coffee.” Cheers, my friend, and lots of love and hugs! xoxoxoxoxo
Cheers to you, dear Lauren! xoxoxoxoox
Congratulations ππ
Thanks so much!
Great review
Thanks so much, Lynn! π©·
Wonderful review! βΊοΈ
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed Mich’s review. π€
What a gorgeous review Lauren! So beautiful! Xoxo
Thanks so much, Carol Anne! β€οΈπ·