Back in December, Looking forward to, and Welcome February!

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Celebrations, Discussion, Poetry
Copper gets colder in his older years,
so he appreciates the extra warmth.

Back in December

There I sat, sipping Chardonnay, reading Celebrating Poetry by Cindy Georgakas, background noise was college football on the tube. I heard my husband cheering for his team. We sat together for an hour, talking about our days and the Christmas holiday to come. Couldn’t wait to see the kids. Then I wanted to get back to the book, and football was calling his name loud and clear.

I sat there as my dog snored, curled up on his gray, plush bed, the heat purred, keeping us warm, and the multi-colored lights on the Christmas tree glistened, occasionally winking at me.

A peaceful night – some would say unexciting. Ahh, but it’s the simple pleasures that become the biggest blessings…

After a January that brought shocking tragedy, the simple things become true gifts. For on that night in December, I had a loving husband to share an evening of wine and conversation, another holiday to celebrate, my senior puppy, heat to keep us warm, a roof over our head, a live Christmas tree to enchant us, music on our retro stereo, a great book to get lost in, a TV for entertainment at our fingertips, and homemade lasagna in the oven…

And so, as a new month begins, we continue to take one day at a time, to keep the victims of those tragedies in our hearts, to not let hope get lost in the shuffle of chaos, and to remember that we are fortunate to have these huge blessings.

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I shared my 5-star review of Cindy’s beautiful book in a prior post, so please check it out if you missed it.

Click on the image to purchase
your copy. 🙏

Recently, Cindy was kind enough to surprise me with her wonderful review of my book, Cora’s Quest. So, please allow me to relish in her delightful words:

5.0 out of 5 stars Capture your inner child or your child’s heart
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2025
Verified Purchase

First of all, the cover is endearing and the story of Cora will surely delight every child that sits on your lap with wide open eyes, begging you to read it again and again. The best news is you will enjoy reading it to them when they say, “again” after the 10th time. Lol. I have 2 grandchildren 17 months old and both of them love “reading this book” (moreover, pointing at the different critters in the book). These are cherished moments when they are soaking in the world around them in these precious and formulating years and what better way than to introduce them to adventure and the trials and tribulations of life when veering off the path. Although they don’t understand this concept yet, they love turning the pages and haven’t ripped one yet. That is truly a win. In the meantime, the illustrations are beautiful and captivating as they are learning to talk and say “deer”. My hats off to you Lauren on a new genre which is near and “deer” (pun intended) to our hearts! I highly recommend stocking up on them for birthday parties etc.
~Cindy Georgakas

Thank you again, Cindy, for this wonderful review! I am thrilled that not only your grandchildren loved ‘reading’ about Cora, but that you loved the story and illustrations too! 🙏

Photo by u0158aj Vaishnaw on Pexels.com

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Subject change…Do you have an event coming up that you’re looking forward to? Let me know in the comments because I do! Four months ago, I registered for a writer’s conference, and it seemed like years away. All of a sudden, it’s next week, Thursday through Sunday, and I’ll be staying at the hotel for the entire conference. I can’t wait to soak up information and gain more knowledge from the workshops I’ll be attending. This is my first writer’s conference, so I’ll finally be able to check it off my bucket list. I’m sure I’ll share with you some great takeaways later this month! ✍🏻

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Changing the subject again…When each month ends, do you sing the same old tune like I do? “I can’t believe another month has passed by!” And here we are, Welcome February – the month of hearts and love, but not only for the romantic soul, but love for families, friends, and for all people! I’ve always loved hearts and all kinds of jewelry: silver, gold, a variety of gem stones, etc., so here are a few hearts that I wear…

As you move on from here, I hope love resides in your heart, joy blossoms, and challenging times lessen. I know it’s tough to keep up while reading all the amazing blog posts in this warm community, so please know that I appreciate you stopping by my corner of blogland in your busy schedule!
Enjoy your weekend and stay safe in all you do!

~ Lauren ❤️

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

Click on the image to order your copy! 🙏

76 thoughts on “Back in December, Looking forward to, and Welcome February!”

  3. Willie Torres Jr.'s avatar Willie Torres Jr.

    Wonderful Review Lauren. Wishing you continued Peace, Love, and inspiration as you move into this new month.

    Blessings to you, today and always.

    Reply

  4. A fab review of your book, Lauren. Enjoy the Writer’s Conference. I’ve been to a few and always come away motivated, inspired, and more knowledgeable. It’s great to hang with other writers and pick up some great tips. Happy February!

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Darlene! I’m thrilled with Cindy’s review! And your takeaways are exactly what I hope for! I’m sure I’ll feel the same afterwards. I really can’t wait and am counting down the days. 🙂 Happy February and thanks again! ❤️

      Reply

  5. A lovely reflection on the gifts that have been given to us, Lauren. A huge congratulations on your review. I am looking forward to your thoughts on your first writer’s conference. I’ll be tagging along on your adventure!!!

    Reply

  6. Enjoy the conference Lauren! I’m betting you do and it will be fun! I’m looking forward to my nephew’s confirmation in march! We’ll be going for a family meal to celebrate it! Xx

    Reply

  9. Hi Lauren, Congratulations for this lovely review of Cora’s Quest. I’m looking forward to reading this book soon. This is a lovely post, with so much packed in. Enjoy your conference.

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your lovely words on all counts, Balroop, and I’m thrilled to know that you’ll read Cora’s Quest soon. I hope you enjoy her story. I had a wonderful time working with my nephew who is the illustrator. And I can’t wait for the conference. Thanks again! 💞

      Reply

  11. Hi Lauren
    What a lovely review for Cora (she is so cute)
    I hope your conference goes well and look forward to reading about it!
    Simple pleasures are all we need really isnt it.
    We are blessed to have these things in this often chaotic world.
    I am going back to Crete in May (same hotel and region as last year).
    It will be nice to have some sun on my skin.
    Enjoy the rest of your weekend my friend.
    Hugs ❤️🤗🥰🙏

    Reply

    1. Hi Maggie, thanks for your wonderful comment on all counts! I can’t wait for the conference. I’m arriving Thursday and counting the days. 🙂 Your trip to Crete sounds fabulous and I hope you’re inspired to write poetry and share with us. Enjoy your day and week ahead too, dear friend! Thanks always for your wonderful support! Hugs from CA! 💞🤗✍🏻🌞💫💖

      Reply

      1. Hi Lauren 🥰 it is my pleasure 🤗
        The conference really does sound as if it will be very interesting .✍️
        I do love Greece I have to say
        Thank you my friend, you too 🤗
        Many thanks always for your support as well.
        Stretchinnnnnnnnnnnng 🤗 from Scotland to you with love ❤️🙏🥰😘

  13. Such a warm cozy post Lauren. It sounds a lot like my house with the game on and a book. I’m delighted you were able to steal away and enjoy my book while sipping chardonnay and Copper was resting. So sweet. Thank you for taking time to read it and I’m elated you enjoyed my review! Indeed it is the love month and your hearts are beautiful.

    It’s so awesome you are stealing away for a writing conference. Have the very best time and I’ll love hearing about your tips like everyone else here.

    Thanks again for your kind read of my book!

    ❤️

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your lovely comment, Cindy! I’m glad you enjoyed this post, and I’m happy it sounded like an evening at your house. 🙂 Your review is awesome and I’m so grateful, and I look forward to sharing about the conference. Take good care of you and your family, my friend. 💞🙏🤗

      Reply

  18. I can emphasize with Copper, Lauren, being something of an ‘old dog’ myself. That extra blanket can feel mighty good. I’m also thankful for the good things we have in our life no matter how crazy and tragic the outside world can feel like. And I include our blogging community which include people like you and Cindy as one of those good things.

    Reply

    1. I think many of us can relate to how Copper feels, Curt, and I’m glad my words resonate about being grateful in this crazy world. And thanks so much for your kind words about Cindy and me. I’m thankful for you too, to be able to travel vicariously through your posts. Have a wonderful week ahead!

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      3. I still have sending you some suggestions on my to-do list, Lauren in terms of places to go. Start easy. Use walking sticks, stop when you get hotspots on your feet as soon as you notice them. I put paper tape over them, been using it for years.
        When I turned 70 in 2013, I had hung up my backpack for good. But there was this beautiful mountain we could see from our porch. It was calling to me. One day I said to Peggy, we’ve got to do it! “Why not” she said. (The ‘why not’ was obvious. Grin.) Anyway, I got all of our gear out and Peggy and I loaded it in our truck and off we went. The first mile was straight down. We walked all of three miles and set up camp. We were tired puppies. No, we were exhausted. I set out tent up in the middle of the trail. There wasn’t anywhere else. The next day we hiked four miles. Woohoo, it was all uphill to where we were camping but relatively gentle. We had a layover day. The third day, we hiked all 7 miles out, including the last mile straight up! I put my pack down, looked at Peggy, and said, “There’s no reason why I can’t backpack 750 miles for my 75th birthday.” 🤪 “Why not,” Peg said. She hiked 300 miles of it with me and did backup the rest of the way. I was as pleased with my 7 mile as I was my 750!

  20. petespringer's avatar petespringerauthor

    I know when tragedies happen it feels insensitive to complain about minor irritants. Concentrating on and appreciating life’s simple blessings is the way we should always live our lives.

    Three cheers for Cindy Georgakas!

    Reply

  21. A lovely post to catch us up on the moving year. You sounded very cosy back there, Lauren. Thanks for remembering those who lost so much during the terrible fires, for celebrating Cindy’s book and her review of Cora, and for bringing some comfort into my evening. Enjoy the conference too! Hugs.

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your beautiful comment, Diana! I’m glad you enjoyed the coziness, reflections, and Cindy’s review. And I’m happy to bring comfort into your evening. What a lovely thing to say! I arrive on Thursday for the conf., so I’m counting the days. 🙂 Hugs for a good day and week ahead! 💞

      Reply

  22. So good…cheers for Cindy…your upcoming conference and sharing your love of hearts. You are right…there’s so much heaviness right now. Just as Pete said, focusing on simple blessings helps so much. Sending hugs to you, Lauren! 💕🥰💕

    Reply

  25. I love the beautiful picture you paint of you and your husband relaxing and enjoying each other. Such a warm and inviting life. I’m so excited for you to experience the SFWC. It’s a challenging pace but you’ll meet some fabulous people and you’ll learn a lot. I can’t wait to read all about it. Wishing you all the best Lauren, hugs, C

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your lovely words, Cheryl, and I’m all ready for the conference. Now I’m just counting down the days to Thursday. 🙂 I’m glad you were able to go last year for the experience and knowledge you gained. I’m excited to leave on Sunday feeling the same way. Hugs to you! 💖

      Reply

  26. I enjoyed reading of the restful time you were having during your break, Lauren. The tragedies of January were disturbing to see, knowing that each day, people are enduring impossible suffering. May we always appreciate how fortunate we are to be safe, warm and loved!

    Reply

  27. Dear Lauren,

    January was a bad start to a new year, and my heart goes out to all who suffered loss, and are still in shock.

    It makes me more appreciative for all I have. I see it has done the same for you. You are right. It’s the simple things.

    Cindy is a doll. She wrote a fab review of Cora’s Quest.

    I just started calling her Cindy Cinnamon Hearts. She hasn’t rejected it yet!

    💖🌹xoxoxo

    Reply

  29. Hi! I’m looking forward to hearing your comments about the SF writer’s conference. I’ve gone to it in the past, as well as ‘agent meet-ups’ etc. The best part of it for me was meeting other writers like you and me. Great review of your book, and you write a great one about Cindy’s new poetry book. We are so great at supporting each other and appreciating each other’s creative endeavors!

    Reply

    1. Hi Pam, the conference was amazing! I made some great friends and brought home an abundance of information that now needs digesting and organizing! There are some reels on my IG, but I’ll do a blog post sometime this week. I also had 3 awesome ‘meet-ups’! Thanks about the reviews. It’s great to support each other! 💞

      Reply

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