“When I’m Sixty-Four” & More!

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry

There’s a lot happening in this post today, so I will start by thanking my friend, Dawn Pisturino, for nominating me for the Sunshine Blogger Award. I haven’t seen awards for over a decade, from when I first joined this amazing community. I’m grateful that Dawn thought of me. I like to think that my blog does spread sunshine, although sometimes, life throws curve balls, which is why this month hasn’t been a good example. Anyway, thank you so much, Dawn! Time won’t allow me to follow through with this lovely award, but I am grateful for your kindness! 🙏

The nominee is given questions to answer, so please visit Dawn’s post to learn more about her and to see the other wonderful bloggers she nominated: https://dawnpisturino.wordpress.com/2025/03/22/sunshine-blogger-award/

Photo credit to Dawn!

Then yesterday I was surprised with another award! Should I play the lottery? 😃
My good friend, Ernie from The Dawghouse, recently created an awesome award called “Dawghouse Choice Pawsome Blog Award.” When I posted several times this month about our beloved dog, Copper, passing on March 3rd, Ernie was touched. So, please click on the following link to read his post that brought tears for me: https://dawgydaddyresponds.org/2025/03/24/dawghouse-choice/ Thank you, Ernie! Now I’m touched by your kindness! 🙏

Photo credit to Ernie!

If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Dawn or Ernie, I encourage you to pay their sites a visit. They’re both amazing writers and have so much to offer to this warm blogging community. I’m honored to know them both. ❤️
https://dawnpisturino.wordpress.com/ & https://dawgydaddyresponds.org.

Copper’s passing took over my creativty this month, with the exception of my last two posts. Writing helped me move through the grief, and as a result, a book is taking shape. A collection of poetry not only about Copper when he was with us, the joy he brought us, but also about grieving. My wish is that my words will help others in a similar situation. All of my energy has been poured into this unexpected but therapeutic project. More info. to come as I make progress.

A happy, young Copper years ago. 🧡

So, I missed writing about the new season that has arrived, Spring. Instead of a new poem, I’m sharing an oldie that expresses the transition between winter and spring. I hope you enjoy!

A Cup of Spring

Miss Spring sips her tea
as we anticipate her arrival.
She says, “Be patient, for
soon I will bring you
colors so pleasing and
new life, delightful.
But first, Mr. Winter must
finish acting out his scene.

Previously published in my memoir: More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose

And lastly, this is out of the norm for me, but since this month has been anything but normal, a song came to mind because it’s fitting for today:

Did you guess? Yes! Light 64 candles for yours truly! Here’s my version (not Beatles worthy), but worthy for my day:

Sixty-Four Candles on the Carrot Cake

Another year has buzzed by
like jets in the big blue.
I repeat, “Where does the time go?”
I know some of you
join me in wondering too.
Memories transport me
through the last twelve months
where I walked with smiles,
tears followed when due.
This body doesn’t feel old,
age is just a number,
but it yawns a bit,
and yet, gratitude rests in my heart
for more than complaints justify.
He’s older by one year
so we’re both climbing the ladder.
We still give each other cards
in spite of any gray hair
and nice to know there’s a perk
in one more year with Medicare!
I’m not afraid to say the numbers;
every laugh line has been well-earned.
I’m thankful for my roots,
for perseverance, and for my bones
that continue to hang in there!
So, light those candles,
extinguisher on the sidelines,
Cheers to another year of life,
my husband – best friend,
my daughter and son,
all of my family,
my friends,
despite hurdles on the path,
I have won, so bring on the fun!

My son made this delicious carrot cake (my fave)
a few years ago.

My husband’s birthday was last month and Copper ‘gave him a card’ and also landed in several photos. I will miss my Copper Boy as I celebrate another year of life. Love you, Copper! Life can be bittersweet. ❤️😢

Well, thank you for being here today, and for reading this long post!
Thank you for lending me support throughout my blogging journey.
Thank you for being you! Have a wonderful day! ❤️💫🎉🥂




139 thoughts on ““When I’m Sixty-Four” & More!”

  3. Oh dear friend. I have missed you. It’s me who has been absent off and on and I don’t know much about what has transpired. Though I know about Copper from Instagram. I’m really saddened by your great loss. So sorry.
    But birthdays still come. And that must mean something. You are here. Happy Birthday dear Lauren. A truckload of blessings. Be well.

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your kind words and wishes, and blessings too, Selma. I spend more time in blogland than I do on IG. But I know it’s hard to visit everyone. I have missed you though. Thanks again for your words about Copper. He is missed so much. Take good care! 💕

      Reply

  4. First of all, congratulations on the blogger awards. And your blog fits the sunshine category. Secondly, you are so right that age is just a number. I am turning 74 this year and I’m not nearly done with this life! So, Happy Birthday! Keep on keeping on!

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your wonderful words, Jan! You are amazing! I know some who don’t like admitting their age. But for me, it’s just a number, and a few of our friends didn’t even make it to 50, so each day and year is a gift. Like you said, I plan to keep on keeping on! ❤️🤗

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  5. This is such a great post, Lauren! I loved your poems. Happy Birthday! May you see many more. Your book sounds like a worthy project. Ernie is such a good person – he was really sweet to create that award for you. My husband and I love carrot cake – your son did a fabulous job. Have a wonderful day!

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Dawn, for your kind, kind words. I appreciate the awards and I appreciate you and Ernie! Working on the book has been helpful. I’m currently checking out publishing options, thinking of Lulu. We miss Copper so much but glad he’s not suffering anymore. You would’ve loved the carrot cake. My son impressed me! My kids are out of state, but they both called and sent surprises. 🙂 So, I’m grateful. And my husband bought a carrot cake which was pretty good. Thanks again and have a good day! 💞

      Reply

  6. That was chock full! Where do I start. I am clicking through to the Dawghouse. My pup is the center of my life so Ernie might have inspiration for me. I continue to feel your pain over Copper. Congrats on your two awards! That helps in its own way.

    Love the poem, especially that ending–““Be patient, for
    soon I will bring you
    colors so pleasing and
    new life, delightful.
    But first, Mr. Winter must
    finish acting out his scene.    “

    No one is patient anymore. We should be.

    Reply

    1. I danced up and down this past weekend when I found some deep purple crocus, and then some cheerful daffodils huddling against a sunny stone wall. Ahhhh, spring is a’coming. xo

      Reply

    2. Thanks for your wonderful comment, Jacqui, and for visiting Ernie. I appreciate your kind words about Copper too and now know you share the same feeling for your pup. And thanks about the awards! More gratitude! I’m so glad you liked my spring poem, and you are so right about being patient. Not in this day and age of instant gratification. Thanks again, and have a good day! 💕

      Reply

  9. Happy Birthday, Lauren! So, you’re a Pisces like I am? A wonderful sign of sensitivity and creativity. Years ago (!) our friends gave my guy a singing bear when he turned 64, and you can guess what the bear sang. 🙂 Sixty-four is a great number. But grieving for a beloved pet tamps down the birthday enthusiasm, I know. We are in year 10 of mourning our Golden, Henry. Yes, 10 years he’s been gone and I still have his ‘baby’ (puppy) pictures on our wall and a favorite shot of him sitting proudly on a pile of snow. The wonderful thing about our dogs is that even when they’ve ‘passed,’ they never leave our souls and the love is still strong. ❤

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Pam, but I’m an Aries! 🙂 My husband is a Pisces (Feb bday). But I think I still fit the Pisces qualities. I love the singing bear! This song popped right into my mind, and I normally don’t do birthday posts, but I thought, why not? So, I tied it into the awards and Copper as well. Yes, it is different without Copper. He’s not in any of my birthday photos, and I shed some tears last night. A bittersweet celebration of welcoming 64. I’m so sorry to hear about Henry, but that only shows how much they weave themselves into our hearts, staying forever. I’m still wearing Copper’s dog tag. Sigh. It’s only been 3 weeks. I know that photo of Henry sitting in the snow is adorable. I can just imagine. Thanks so much for your compassion. ❤️🙏🐾

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

    Happy 64th birthday, Lauren! We did a Beatle celebration for the hubby last year for that. I like your twist on it. Xo

    Reply

  11. Happy Birthday, Lauren. It’s been awhile since I was 64 but I recall it was a good time. Congrats on the awards, always nice to receive. Sending birthday hugs!!

    Reply

  12. I am so happy to hear this positive news.

    First of all, congratulations on the blogger awards. Then let me say I really enjoyed your poems and last but not least, happy birthday to you 💖💖💖

    Reply

  13. Hi Lauren
    Wishing you a very Happy Birthday and many more my friend 😘❤️🤗
    I saw Ernie’s post, it was such a lovely thing to do.
    I am glad you were able to take the pain of losing Copper and use it creatively.
    Much love to you dear friend xoxoxo

    Reply

    1. Thank you, thank you, Maggie, for your wonderful words, wishes, and compassion. Ernie’s post surprised me, but was so kind of him. And yes, the book has helped me through the grief of missing our pup. I appreciate you so much, and much love and hugs to you too. ❤️🤗❤️🤗❤️

      Reply

      1. Aww Lauren my dear friend, it is always my pleasure.
        I hope you had an amazing day.
        Ernie is lovely, a wonderful member of this community.
        I am sure that Copper is wagging his tail on rainbow bridge at the thought of a book in his honour .
        How special it will be.
        I appreciate you too my friend.
        Take good care.
        Much love and warm hugs back to you ❤️🤗❤️🤗

      2. It was very nice, Maggie, thanks again! In spite of being sad about Copper, I’m always excited to celebrate another year of life. Each day is a gift. And I’m sure you’re right about Copper. I love what you wrote. He’s definitely worth it. 🙂 Big hugs and lots of love back to you, dear friend. xoxoxoxoxo

      3. I am glad to hear that Lauren 💕
        It is a gift indeed🙏
        Copper is still with you in spirit as write your book to keep you strong 🤗❤️🤗
        Best wishes to you my dear friend with love and warm hugs across the pond.xoxo

  19. Willie Torres Jr.'s avatar Willie Torres Jr.

    What a beautiful, heartfelt post, Lauren… Dawn, Ernie, and you are truly wonderful souls, and there’s no doubt that you all deserve such love and recognition. Your words and heart shine so brightly, even in tough times. Wishing you all the best as you continue to inspire and bring light to those around you. ❤️✨ Happy Birthday to you and Happy Belated to you Husband.

    Reply

    1. Willie, your comment touches my heart! Thank you so much, my friend! I truly appreciated the recognition from Dawn and Ernie. Two bright lights in my community! It’s been a tough month, but I had a great day yesterday despite the sadness in our hearts. Thanks for wishing my hubby a belated Happy Birthday too! And I appreciate the light that you shine too! Wishing you the best day! ❤️🙏

      Reply

  23. Congratulations on the awards! Well deserved. My birthday was March 3rd which was a terribly sad day for you. Tomorrow is my son’s birthday and it was our best dog Angus’s birthday, too. Tomorrow I have posted a tribute to both of them.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Elizabeth! And Happy birthday to you, your son, and Angus! What a busy month for celebration! March 3rd was sad and we miss Copper so much, but he was almost 15 and is no longer suffering. And we had him for 13 amazing years. So this is what we have to keep telling ourselves. It’s not easy. I’m teary-eyed as I type this. Anyway, I’ll check out your post! 💞

      Reply

      1. Thank you for the birthday wishes. It’s a busy month for me every year. We had Angus until he was almost 15 years, too. We adopted him at seven months from Guide Dogs of the Desert. I could never face having a dog and going through the loss again.

      2. Oh, I’m sorry, I miss understood that Angus had passed. I’m so sorry, Elizabeth. How you feel is how we feel right now. I can’t say ‘never’ but at least ‘never’ for now. Take good care. ❤️

  24. Congratulations on the recognition of all you bring to the creative community, Lauren, though I’m sorry the timing hasn’t been ideal for you. Happy 64 to you! 🎉

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your kind words, Steve, and things don’t always go as planned. We’re still sad, but I’m always grateful for another year of life and to be doing better health wise too. Working on the book has really helped me. And I had a great day yesterday. My hubby and I are going away for the weekend, so the celebration will continue for our 36th, his 65th, my 64th, and for our time with Copper. Happy day to you, my friend. ❤️🤗💫🥂

      Reply

      1. You’re welcome, Lauren. That’s a lot of celebrating though some of it bittersweet. I hope you two have a wonderful weekend away! ☀️😎🥂

  25. Happy of birthdays to you Lauren! Lots happening and in the making with the gifts of Copper and grief. What a blessing to honor him and your experience with a book. What a wonderful way to honor Dawn’s invitation which I will steal from you.. so thanks! big hugs and love your poems!!!! 💓

    Reply
  29. petespringer's avatar petespringerauthor

    The Sunshine Blogger Award fits you well, Lauren. Happy birthday! Well, I’ve got a couple of years on you. When I turned 64 two years ago, one of my brothers sent me a slide show of photos from my life to the the Beatles tune, When I’m 64.

    Reply

      1. Oh my goodness…no worries about reading and catching up and all of that…just happy to say hi when the opportunity arises. Thanks for the oodles back…love it! 🥰💕🥰

  35. Happy birthday dear Lauren! Love your poem! You’ve definitely won; hope you’re having some fun! ✨ A heartwarming and inspiring post. 💖 Dawn and Ernie are kind hearts! Lovely community. 🌞

    Reply

    1. Thanks for the wishes, Kym! It was a very nice day, and hubby and I are going away this weekend, so the celebrating continues. But not only for me: for our 36th in Jan, his 65th last month, our time with Copper Boy, and my 64th. 🙂 Cheers, dear friend! 🥂🌷❤️💕

      Reply

  37. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!

    WOW…or should I say ZIP? That was one fast year.

    I’m thrilled Copper is leaving you with a book. It’s a gift, unknown until now. The bow will come much later.

    When my mom was dying from brain cancer, she stayed in a hospice in the old area of downtown Winnipeg. I stayed un Winnipeg for 3 months until she passed.

    There was a window in her room, that I would absent mindedly gaze out of time to time. It looked out on the small parking lot to one of the oldest hotels in Winnipeg. There was something on the wall. A painting maybe?

    Anyway one day I went out to see what it was. It was a fabulous mural of Charlie Chaplin. Turns out he had stayed there in 1914 with a Vaudeville troupe. On the hotel’s stationary, he wrote his brother a letter saying he was leaving the Vaudeville circuit, and going to Hollywood.

    https://graffitiluxandmurals.com/2013/05/22/charlie-chaplin/

    That was my first pic of street art. Turned out the area was rife with murals, and going for a walk to find art after being with my mom was a salvation.

    That began my love of art in a way I had not known. I did not know it back then, but this frantic, passionate love I have for street art, fine art and making Art Gowns is because of her passing.

    It’s a gift she’ll never know she gave me, but I know! I finally saw the bow.

    Boy, did I ever get off topic!

    Congrats on the blogging awards!

    Sending love , hugs and best birthday wishes,

    🌟xoxo🎂xoxo🌟

    Reply

    1. Hi Resa, first of all, I love when you get off topic! Secondly, thank you for the wishes! Time sure flies, doesn’t it? This birthday was bittersweet, but I love your line:

      “I’m thrilled Copper is leaving you with a book. It’s a gift, unknown until now. The bow will come much later.”

      I can’t wait for the bow…

      I’m honored that you shared your story about your mom. I was sorry to hear about her passing, but I loved learning the backstory of how art came into your life, and what a special way. You finally saw your bow. That just goes straight to my heart. A lovely stroke of serendipity.

      So, thanks again for the love, hugs, and birthday wishes! I appreciate them and I appreciate you so much! I’m sending love and hugs back up to you! xoxoxoxo

      💕💫💕💫💕

      Reply

  39. Wow, what a wonderful post you have today! Lauren! First, happy 64 years young birthday. What a precious son you have to make you a carrot cake for your birthday. I love carrotcake. Second, I’m happy that Copper is leaving you a book, a book of beautiful memories and words of how much you loved and missed him. Third (not in that order), your blogger awards, especially the Sunshine Blogger Award that bring you smile. Last but not least, I love your beautiful spring poem and your reflective birthday poem. Happy birthday again!

    Reply

    1. I’m saying ‘Wow’ back to you, Miriam! Thank you SO much for your wonderful words and wishes. “Copper is leaving me with a book” just goes straight to my heart. Today is his adoption day from 2012, so it’s bittersweet. 😢❤️

      I’m glad you’re another carrot cake fan. I’ve made several homemade from my friend’s mom’s recipe, but my son really took his time, doing an outstanding job, better than me. LOL I’m also happy you enjoyed both poems. I feel so behind in everything. This month has been different for obvious reasons. Anyway, thank you again! Hugs xo

      Reply

      1. You’re welcome, Lauren. Adoption day is another reminder of Copper. By the way, my grandkids named one of their kittens Copper.

        I’m catching up on my blogging. I hardly did anything during the two months of non-stop runny nose and coughing in the winter. I’m still adjusting to the cold winter in Oregon.
        Enjoy the rest of your carrot cake!

      2. You’re right, but today we’re celebrating his life, trying not to feel sad. The tears are still though because we miss him. Aww, a kitten named Copper, so cute, Miriam. Well, I hope you’re feeling better now, and I’ll save a piece of cake for you. 🥰

      3. Yeah, the other kitten is named Whisker. Both kittens were from the same foster home. My daughter didn’t want to separate them so she adopted both.
        Yumm… thank you for saving me a piece of your cake.

  40. Happy Birthday, Blessings dearest Lauren to you (lovely Aries) and Matt (in Feb). Xxx Sending you much love as you channel your pain at losing Copper into writing a book. Xxx You are indeed ‘Sunshine’ and ‘Pawsome’…Xxxx 🧡🌟🧡

    Reply

  42. First off Congrats on your awards, Lauren!!

    I know I wished you a happy birthday, but I wish you a happy birthday again!

    I remember after my beloved Simba’s death; he inspired many of my writings. I am sure Copper will do the same for you. Writing is a beautiful tribute to our deceased pets, and it helps us process our grief.

    Sending you hugs and love
    Lisa xoxo

    Reply

    1. Hi Lisa, thanks so much for your wonderful wishes and compassion about Copper. I’m sorry to hear about Simba, but you’re right in how beneficial writing has been during this time. I didn’t plan on a book, but it just unfolded organically. He is worth it. Today was his adoption day from 2012, so it’s bittersweet. 😢❤️

      I appreciate the hugs and love, and I appreciate you very much! Sending love and hugs back to you. ❤️🤗🌺

      Reply

  46. Happy Birthday, Lauren 🎂. Your son’s birthday cake is beautiful! All the best in writing your new book. After my sister died I was compelled to write Mourning Has Broken which helped in processing my grief. I hope that your tribute to Copper will stir your creativity and instill in you long lasting joyful memories. 💕

    Reply

  47. Happy Birthday, Lauren. Thanks for sharing your news, both the joyful and the sorrowful. I’m glad as you grieve for Copper that you also cherish and celebrate the years together. What better life for a dog than to be loved so deeply. I hope you enjoy your break, that your muse travels along with you, and that you get some time to simply breathe. Hugs.

    Reply

  48. Copper is so precious. I love his adorable face. Your poem speaks the beauty of nature always, Lauren, and I enjoyed it. You picked words beautifully. And the cake, what a delight. Your blog is just a sunshine like your award!

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your lovely words, Hazel, and it was a bittersweet birthday because of Copper’s passing on March 3rd. But he was a handsome and lovable boy and we miss him so much. And my son did an awesome job on the cake; it was delicious. I appreciate your kind words. 💕

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  49. Sorry to hear about Copper. He looks good but more importantly, I am sure you remember him for the times together. ‘Writing helped me move through the grief, and as a result, a book is taking shape.’ That is such an inspiring thing to say, and a thought that I am taking away today. Happy belated Birthday, Lauren 🙂

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your compassion, Mabel. Tomorrow marks a month and the tears still find their way. He was with us for 13 years, so the house feels empty without him. But we’re also reveling in our memories of him. And the book has really helped me. I can’t wait to see it in print, and Copper is worth it. 🙂 I appreciate you finding inspiration as your take away for this post. And I appreciate your visits and time. I’ll be back to visit you soon too. And thanks for the birthday wishes! 💕

      Reply

      1. I hope you get to sit with your emotions and just be, Lauren ❤ Sometimes the saddest times are when we look back and realise the most wonderful times of our lives. And with Copper, sounded like wonderful times of eternal love. Wishing you best of luck with your book ❤

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