The end of a blog break with New Year’s musings!

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Celebrations, Poetry

Dear Friends,

How are you??? I can’t believe a month has passed by since I began my blog break! The holidays were magical, and I read a lot! I had so many books lined up from my friends here in blogland, so I took the opportunity to dive in! One by one, I was enchanted by evocative poetry, hooked by compelling fiction and fantasy, and moved by an inspirational memoir. In my next post, I will share those wonderful books. I also wrote reviews and posted them on Amazon and Goodreads, which felt good to help my fellow authors. Anyway, the photo above was from watching (from the comfort of our sofa) the Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year’s Day. And the poem that I’m sharing below was written in December prior to the fire devastation in Los Angeles that began early January.

December Musings

I didn’t need mistletoe
on New Year’s Eve
to touch my lips to his
nor an array of gifts
resting beneath
the Christmas tree
I have a roof that shelters
from winter’s rage
and cools from summer’s
hot embrace

The stars dance each evening
in the vast sky above
They shimmer and shine
for all eyes to see –
fathers and mothers
sons and daughters
aunts and uncles
sisters and brothers –
for you and for me.

A new year has arrived,
the calendar tells us so
I wish the holiday spirit
would continue through the seasons
Let it flow! Let it flow!

How lovely for children’s laughter
to be music filling our days
and love for All people
to be the purpose of our ways…

My words still ring true, but our hearts ache for those lives that have literally been turned upside down because of the fires. The devastation looks unreal, but to everyone affected, it’s a living hell. For lives lost, for homes burned to the ground. The victims remain in our hearts. We have donated, and I hope everyone helps in any way possible. ❤️

While watching the news and staying informed with heavy hearts, we also celebrated this week…Cheers to 36 years of ‘happily ever after’ for my husband and I – 37 years together! And to think a refrigerator linked our paths! 😊 Life has presented us with an abundance to celebrate, but also hurdles to jump when things happened out of our control. Matt and I would jump those hurdles all over again hand in hand. Happy 36th to us, and to many more anniversaries to come! ❤️🎉🥂

A random thought…I pass by a mural often, reminding myself that someday I should stop and get a picture. Well, that ‘someday’ came. I took this in such a hurry though that I forgot to get the artist’s name. But I love the joy of nature this artwork displays. Does this mural make you wish for spring? 🌻

And lastly, if you recall from last month, I was dealing with a big hiccup regarding my paperback of Cora’s Quest. It was ‘out of stock’ and ‘on hold’ with the company I published it through, and because this occurred during the holidays, it was beyond frustrating. Well, it’s fixed! The image pages needed to be upgraded to a premium color level at no additional cost to me, so it’s all good, even though the wait was infuriating. Cora’s Quest is back in business, available in paperback (recommended for the full magical experience) and in e-book version.

For those of you who ordered the paperback and had to wait, have you received your copies? Thank you for your patience! And to those of you who have read, loved Cora’s adventure, and shared your 5-star reviews, Thank You, Thank You!!! Please consider sharing a review if you loved the book. Reviews are like hugs to Indie Authors! If you haven’t read about Cora yet, her story isn’t just for little ones; all ages will appreciate the important message found in the midst of Cora’s lively forest.

Click on the link to purchase your copy. xo

“A wonderfully uplifting story of lessons learned and the power of love. I recommend it for children and adults of all ages!” Award-winning Jan Sikes

Thank you for taking the time to pop in, and I look forward to reading your posts again!

Happy New Year,
Lauren 💖

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

102 thoughts on “The end of a blog break with New Year’s musings!”

  4. So happy to have you back Lauren. Wishing you a bright and wonderful year 2025 with your husband, and family! May it be filled with lovely reads, new writing projects, and everything that makes you happy.

    Sending you hugs from France 🌺💚

    Reply

  7. How wonderful to see you back and read all your news. Happy Anniversary! We just celebrated our 48th Anniversary yesterday. So pleased to hear that the paperback of Cora’s Quest is now available. The mural is gorgeous. xo

    Reply
  9. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar D.L. Finn, Author

    Welcome back! I’m glad you enjoyed your break. Happy Anniversary! Yes, it is heartbreaking with the fires. Hopefully, rain is on the way. We have a mural with flowers here, too. Always cheers me up to see it.

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Denise! I really got a lot done, but I missed everyone too. So it’s good to be back. Thanks for the wishes too and I think rain is coming this weekend.
      This mural cheers me up also and I’m glad I have a photo to share. 🩷🌻

      Reply

    1. Thanks for the warm welcome, Robbie, and kind words about the poem. In my case, it was the company’s glitch and they weren’t communicative over the holidays, probably inundated. But nonetheless, it was so infuriating for me with a new book released. I’m glad it’s behind me now. By the way, I posted a review on Amazon and Goodreads for Sesi says good-bye to Granny, in case you haven’t seen it. 🙂 💖

      Reply

  21. Good to see you Lauren and congratulations to you both on your wonderful 36 yrs of marriage… Lovely photos of you both, and the spring mural. Looking forward to the Spring…. 🙂
    Have a wonderful HAPPY New Year Lauren xx much love your way xx

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your wonderful words and wishes, Sue! I hope your new year is starting off on a high note. I’m so glad I finally stopped to take a photo of this mural. Glad you loved it, along with my photos. Time sure flies, doesn’t it? Hugs and lots of love to you, my friend. xoxoxoxo

      Reply

  23. A beautiful message for the New Year and Happy Anniversary to you and Matt, Lauren. It certainly has been devastating to see so many friends evacuated and some burnt to the ground. Glad to hear your book is back up and running. Lot’s of love and good to see you back! 💓

    Reply

    1. Hi Cindy, thanks for your lovely words and wishes! Our special day seems like yesterday though cliche. Time sure flies! Yes, the fire news has been heartbreaking to watch, so it’s unimaginable what the residents have endured. And about Cora, how do you spell relief? AVAILABLE ON AMAZON! LOL
      Hope you and your family are doing well! Lots of love to you and it’s great to be back! 💖

      Reply

      1. It’s a pleasure and I know, I thought, wait they just had their anniversary .. lol … it sure does. Omg unfathomable. Oh YAYYYYY Yes, Yes, Yes. All is good and can’t wait to hear about the book fair.. coming soon I know.. xo 😘

  25. It was a bit of a wait but, yes, I got Cora’s Quest yesterday! I’ve been running a bit so I haven’t had a chance to look it over, but I’m excited to do that this weekend. Looks amazing Lauren. Congratulations on the Anniversary too. That’s wonderful! 🎉🎉🎉🎉😎

    Reply
  27. petespringer's avatar petespringerauthor

    Happy anniversary! We’re on a similar trajectory—38 years for us. Best decision of my life! Debbie’s birthday is Saturday, so it’s my turn to spoil her.

    I hope you enjoyed your blogging break. I periodically have to do the same.

    By the way, I did notice your wonderful review of my book. Thanks so much. What’s next for you? More poetry? Another children’s book? Something else? Good to have you back, Lauren!

    Reply

    1. Thanks for the wishes, Pete, and Congrats to you and Debbie as well! Matt and I can say the same as you, best decision of our lives! Happy birthday to Debbie too! My sister’s name is Debbie. 🙂

      The break was relaxing and productive and very much needed. I get to a point of exhaustion even though I love blogging and have been for 14 years. So, I think stepping back now and then is healthy.

      You’re so welcome about my review! I loved your book and will spotlight it here soon with the others that I read over the break.

      I appreciate you asking me what’s next? Another poetry collection is definitely on the horizon, but currently (along with promoting Cora’s Quest), I’m working on a collection of short fiction and another children’s book. I’m attending the SF Writers Conference next month where I will pitch my children’s book idea. No expectations, but the story is finished and the One-Sheet is ready. 🙂

      Thanks again for your wonderful comment and warm welcome! 😁

      Reply
      1. petespringer's avatar petespringerauthor

        Maybe I’ll meet you at one of these conferences someday. I intend to put myself out there more this year. I’ve been querying a children’s novel (no takers yet) and now am working on a book of humor, funny anecdotes in and out of the classroom.

        Best of luck with your pitch.

      2. That would be great, Pete! This will be my first conference. I was invited by a friend to go last year, but the timing didn’t work out. So when registration opened last year for this year’s conference, I jumped at it. That’s exciting about your children’s book, so good luck on finding a ‘taker!’ You’re a great writer, so I have no doubt you’ll reach success. Can’t wait to read that book and the humor book. We need lots of humor in these trying times. Thanks for your wishes too! Good luck to us both! 😁

  28. Happy 36th Anniversary, Lauren and Matt. I loved your poem and your grateful heart for all your blessings. You are lovely, Lauren. Much love to you both and I am glad you enjoyed your blogging break. Times flies! xXx 🩷✨😘🌹

    Reply

    1. Hi Jane, thanks for your beautiful words and wishes, and yes, time sure flies! The break did wonders, but it’s nice to be back, and I missed you and everyone! Sending lots of love and hugs your way, dear friend! ⭐️🥰🎉🤗❤️

      Reply

  31. Welcome back, Lauren! Happy Anniversary to you and Matt (refrigerator story?), and Happy New Year. I love those cheerful murals! Best wishes and much success with your book! ❣️🥰

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your lovely words and wishes, Eugi! As to the fridge, it’s a long story, but the short version is that Matt and I didn’t know each other when he ended up buying the fridge I was selling. So that fridge brought us together! Like I said, this is the short version. 🙂 ❤️🤗😁

      Reply

  32. Hi Lauren, welcome back! I remembered you were on a break, though in the last few days I was thinking it was an awfully long time, and was actually going to reach out and send good wishes. But here you are, and here they are! 🤗 I enjoyed reading your poetry again after missing it, and was touched by how you placed those musings in the tragic and devastating context of the LA Fires. And I do enjoy a mural… that one does remind me of spring, especially this week when temperatures with windchill reached -40, the level at which Celsius and Fahrenheit are equal!

    I didn’t get my copies of your book and the last time I checked, it was still out. When Amazon reached back I cancelled out of frustration, and have since put that company in the penalty box; I’m sorry. But I’ll be back with an order as I still want the books for our growing brood of grandkids. 🙂 I’m glad the agonizingly long issue finally was resolved and wish you much success.

    And last but not least, happy anniversary to you and Matt! Many happy returns! ❤️ ❤️

    Reply

    1. Hi Steve,

      Thanks for thinking of me and almost reaching out! 🙂 I needed the break and accomplished what was on my ‘list’ even though you and everyone I follow in blogland were missed. I appreciate your kind words about the post, the poem, and the mural. And I can’t even begin to imagine -40 degrees! It’s been in the high 20s in the mornings here and low to high 50s in the afternoon, which is cold for us! So, stay warm, my friend!!! 🌞

      Please, no apologies about your book order. I am grateful that you tried. The wait was ridiculous, especially during the holidays, a prime time that I wanted to promote my book. I was kind of going crazy because they weren’t responding to my emails. But I’m so relieved that it’s all behind me and resolved. I will tell you though that Cora is also available at barnesandnoble.com if you’d like to try again aside from Amazon. But truly no pressure!!

      Thanks for your warm welcome and anniversary wishes, and I hope all is well with you and your family! It’s great to see you and I look forward to your songs! ❤️🤗😁

      Reply

      1. Thanks very much for your warm response, Lauren. So great to have you back!

        Your temperatures sound very inviting, though at the moment it’s not too bad at -13C (9F)… downright balmy for January on the Canadian prairies! ☀️

        We are all doing well, thank you. Christmas was fun and a bit chaotic of course. And next year there will be two more little ones at the table! 🥰

        Enjoy your warm(ish) weekend! 🤗

  34. Welcome back, Lauren!

    HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!

    It sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas and a terrific break.

    When the fires started, I worried about you, especially when I saw you were not back blogging. I checked your About page and was reminded you live in northern California, so I figured you were okay.

    Sending much love and many hugs! (and some music!)

    xo🌹💙🎵

    Reply

    1. Hi Resa,

      Thanks a bunch for the ‘welcome back’ and anniversary wishes! The holidays were nice and we’re always grateful for another anniversary celebration. Yes, we’re in No. Cal. so not affected by the fires. Thankfully, my sisters are in Orange County and okay, except for some power outages. But No. Cal. has had its share of fires too, so we stay prepared. It could happen anywhere, anytime. The devastation is even more surreal blazing in January, soon after those people rang in a new year full of hope and new adventures. Breaks my heart.

      Anyway, I hope all is well with you, my friend! The break was needed, but it’s great to be back! Lots of love and hugs to you too! ❤️⭐️🎉🥰🌻

      Reply

  36. I’m glad you had a good break, Lauren. You seem rejuvenated and your poem sparkles. Congrats on your anniversary and on getting Cora back in action! Yay to both. And a heartfelt reflection on the devastation in California. They’re recovery will take months/years and it’s important to keep those who lost everything in our thoughts. Wishing you a blessed 2025.

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Diana, and I am rejuvenated. 🙂 I appreciate the anniversary wishes, and yes, I’m so relieved that Cora is back in action too! I agree with you about the fire victims. It’s just unimaginable what they’ve been through and how they’ll recover. I hope 2025 has started off well for you. I’m sure your book is successful already! I loved it! ❤️

      Reply

  38. I missed you, Lauren, but I found it hard to come back, too. It was so nice just to relax and not think! Thank you for your heartfelt wishes for the victims of the L.A. fires. My family was directly affected, and I can’t believe how callous and stupid some people have been in their reactions. It makes me very sad. My daughter’s boyfriend went to the Rose Bowl Parade with friends. I remember seeing the floats as a kid. Happy Anniversary! I’m glad your publishing glitch got fixed!

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your wonderful comment, Dawn, and you know a break can do wonders! I missed you and everyone too, but I reach a point where I need to step back. I’m so sorry to hear that your family was directly affected by the fires. I’ll keep you and your family in my positive thoughts. I agree with you about people! 🙂 We’ve never been to the parade, but we love watching it every year. Thanks for your anniversary wishes too and kind words about my publishing glitch. So glad it’s behind me. Take care! ❤️

      Reply

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