
I recently turned Medicare age, and I’m not shy about the numbers. In fact, I’m happy to be alive! As chaos runs rampant around the world, I need to focus on the good. So, I’m lucky to have a wonderful man in my life – my best friend, my rock and voice of reason after thirty-seven years of marriage. I miss my amazing son and daughter more as I get older, but I’m beyond proud of them for spreading their wings and pursuing their dreams. However, my wish is that someday, geography won’t interfere with Sunday dinners, meeting for coffee or lunch, or simply popping in – them popping in on us, of course – we’d never pop in on our children. Smile. I miss my sisters and their families, but all this ‘missing’ is satisfied with visits and technology. I miss loved ones who have passed, and Copper and canine family members who came before him. The health hiccups I had in the past are manageable in the present – a blessing! I’m grateful for mobility. It sounds mundane, doesn’t it? But if it’s taken away, it’s life altering. I revel in each new sunrise and sunset, rebirth in spring, cleansing in winter, coziness in autumn. I marvel at the Golden Gate Bridge with each crossing and adore every visit with the redwoods. ‘Tomorrow’ isn’t a given. When I turn on the news, I’m reminded that each day is a gift that deserves to be lived. So, Live It!!!
And I hope all the March babies out there had a wonderful celebration like I did! The candles were lit, the fire extinguisher sat nearby on high alert! 🙂 And I enjoyed that slice of carrot cake!

I’m not sharing these thoughts for selfish reasons but to inspire you to live your life to the fullest!
Those numbers are simply numbers. 🎂
*****************************************************
I leave you with a recent (draft of a) poem that came to mind when hubby and I sat on our patio enjoying a warm, spring evening.
The Dove
We watch her hop
to the top oak branch –
it bends but doesn’t break
beneath her weight.
Our naked eyes, grateful
for a better angle
to see her silvery body
and witness her tiny beak
move from left to right
as she sings, Coo, Coo,
from her bird’s eye view –
does she notice us –
our admiration of her
plain as can be?
Our existence,
minimal in this magical moment –
how amazing she must feel
to sit on top of the world.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Enjoy the magic of nature!
I know I’m not around as much, but I miss you all!
When life presents other plans, we must dive in
with courage and wonder. ❤️
© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com
Author and poet, Lauren Scott, is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013), Finding a Balance (2015), Ever So Gently (2023), and King Copper (2025). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee. Her first children’s book, Cora’s Quest, was published in 2024. Lauren has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured on Spillwords Press where she was voted Author of the Month and garnered Publication of the Month awards. She is a recent recipient of the Publication of the Year (Poetic) Award. Lauren is a contributing author in several anthologies, and her work is showcased on LatinosUSA and Gobblers and Masticadores. She is currently working on her second children’s book and another collection of poetry. Lauren’s muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, reveling in simple things, and marveling at the mysteries of life.

A very happy birthday dear friend. Hugs
Thanks so much, Sadje! Many hugs back to you! 💗
Many thanks
Happy Birthday, Lauren. Your poem is lovely.
Thanks for your lovely words and wishes, John! 🥰
😊
Happy Birthday, Lauren!
Thanks so much, Joy! ❤️
Happy March Birthday!! I enjoyed mine as well. Thanks for this uplifting post. So lovely to see you here and read your words. xo
Thanks, Darlene, and Happy Birthday to you too! I’m glad you enjoyed this post, and thanks for your kind words also. I fear I may be forgotten. 🙂 Hugs xo
Happy birthday to you, Lauren! Thank you for this reflective post and poem. 🎂😍
Thanks so much, Miriam, for your lovely words and wishes! I hope all is well! xoxo
Happy Birthday, Lauren! 🎉🥳
Thanks very much, Edward! 🙂
You’re so welcome.
🥰🙏
Happy birthday, Lauren. I am one year behind you with medicare. Beautiful poem, I love moments like that! Xo
Thanks, Denise, and Medicare is magic in itself! 🙂 I appreciate the beautiful words about the poem too. Those simple moments are magical, aren’t they? Hugs xo
Happy birthday, and welcome to my space and place in the world. Luke you, I am so happy to have made it to this place in life and I savor every moment – thank you for the beautiful poem –
🌹🌷🌹
Thanks, Luisa! xoxo
You’re very welcome Lauren!
My pleasure always
Hi Lauren, this is a delightful post. Happy birthday and thank you for the lovely poem.
Hi Robbie, thanks for your wonderful comment! I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. 💗🌷
Welcome to the “magical age” and all the amazing energies that await! ❤
Thanks for the warm welcome, Annette! ❤️🥰🌷
I like your attitude, Lauren. It’s good to be here. Happy birthday.
Attitude makes the world of difference, doesn’t it, Anneli? Thanks for the birthday wishes! 💗
Yes, it sure does.
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I’m glad 65 is off to a good start for you!
Thanks so much, Liz! Hope all is well! 💝
You’re welcome, Lauren. My husband and I will be in San Diego next week visiting our daughter and son-in-law.
That sounds wonderful, Liz! Have a great trip!
Thanks, Lauren!
As an avid birdwatcher lately, I love your Dove poem. Yes, I’m medicare age too and I’m happy to be back to walking after having two surgeries this past year!
Aww, thanks, Elizabeth! I’m not sure if the poem is finished but it is for now. I’m glad you love it! Glad you’re on your feet again too! Mobility isn’t something to take for granted. ❤️
It was a beautiful poem and fits my hours of staring out our window and photographing birds. I’ve struggled with mobility this year!
That’s great to hear, but I’m sorry about your struggles. You’re doing better though, right?
Yes. It wasn’t the best year. But I’m healing. It’s slower than what I thought.
Well, slowly, but surely is better than not at all. So hang in there! I’ll visit you later or tomorrow. 🥰
😊
Congratulations on unlocking the ‘Medicare’ level, Lauren – here’s hoping you don’t have a great need for it! I enjoyed your gratitude statements. And, a lovely poem.
Thanks so much, Steve! We have to have perks as we get older. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed this post and thanks for your kind words about the poem too. Hope all is well in your world. 🤗
You’re welcome, Lauren! I’m doing well and grateful for how time and physical presence are being kind thus far! 🤗
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Lauren ❤️🎂🎉🎈
Lots of love to you xoxoxo
Thanks so much, Maggie! I had a great celebration that went on for about a week! 🙂 it was fun to turn 65! I do it all over again! Hope all is well, my friend! Lots of love and hugs to you! 💝🌷💝🤗🤗🤗
Lauren 🤗❣️🤗
65 looks good on you.
Love and hugs back my friend xoxo
Aww, thanks, Maggie! I feel 55! LOL Love and hugs to you, dear friend! xoxoxo
Lol 🤗 that is good to know!
Happy Easter when it comes dear Lauren xoxo
This is such an uplifting post Lauren. The happiness floods through. Happy entrance into the golden age!
That was my intention, Ernie, so thank you, my friend! And thanks for the warm welcome! 🙏
Happy Birthday Lauren. Thanks for the reminders and the lovely dove poem.
Thanks for the kind words and wishes, Balroop. I’m glad you enjoyed this post. ❤️
Happy Birthday and thanks for the positive thoughts to start my day
Thanks, Ian, and I’m happy to share positivity any day! 🙂
This is so true, Lauren: “Focus on the good, and tomorrow is not a given.” Cheers because we’re still alive.🤩 A blessed holy week to you!
Thanks for your kind words and wishes, Hazel. Have a lovely week too! xo
Love and gratitude, Lauren
It’s always a good thing to count our blessings. We’re in South Dakota this week to see our son, daughter-in-law, and grandson (He turns 2 in May). Even though they live about 2,000 miles away, I’ve been thinking about how lucky we are to be able to afford the travel and to have the luxury of ZOOM calls from California.
Yes, and I agree, Pete. I’m not fond of flying but glad we can do it! Have a great time with your family!
“As chaos runs rampant around the world, I need to focus on the good.” Love this line Lauren! Really speaks to me. The Dove does too. Oh to be sitting on top of the world. Hope it was a wonderful birthday!!!
I’m glad that line resonated, Brian! And the poem, thank you! I know, what a view! 🙂 I had a great birthday last week and the celebration continued through the week. And a friend is taking me out to dinner tomorrow night, so I guess the celebrating continues still. 🙂 Turning 65 wasn’t bad at all! LOL
Your pics on IG show that you guys are not slowing down. Love that. Love the positive attitude and hope. Gives me hope!
I’m glad, Brian, and not until we have to! 🥰🤗
By the way, we all need glimmers of hope! 💫💫
That carrot cake looks absolutely delicious…
It was! 🙂
Happy birthday, Lauren! I love your long list of wonderful things to be grateful for. Such a beautiful reminder of the blessings in life! Here’s to a great year ahead for you!
Thanks so much for your wonderful words, Wynne! It’s good to stop and count our blessings. Thanks for the good wishes, and I hope all is well with you! xo
Belated bday greetings from my side too, Lauren. Cherishing every sunrise as a bonus, ageing years are a blessing as long as we stay healthy and in the company of loved ones. May you continue to be blessed with many more happy returns… Cheers..!💐😊
Thanks so much for your kind words and wishes, Raj! It’s good to appreciate the magic in nature, and we’re blessed to have loved ones in our circle. Hope all is well with you!
As we get older we appreciate the things in life we often took for granted.
So true, Binky! Thanks for stopping by!
I love this Lauren. Early this morning I stood outside with my twin granddaughters just breathing in the morning. We admired the roses, the birds, the way the sun was just peeking through the clouds. I’ll remember it forever. The small moments are everything. Hugs, C
Happy Birthday, Lauren! Breathe in and breathe out, and enjoy life.🎈🎁 💖
Thanks so much, Eugi, and I love your advice. 💗🌷💝
Congratulations on reaching Medicare age, Lauren. It would be so nice if you were within dropping-in distance from your children, but you never know what might change. I love the poem!
Thanks, Jan, and I hope the distance is less in the near future. Fingers crossed! I’m glad you loved the poem. 💝
Happy birthday dear Lauren. Lots of love and hugs to you. Good to be with your hubby and have a great day. It’s good to have a great family also though everyone is busy. Fantastic poem 👍👍👍👍
Thanks for your lovely wishes and kind words, Kamal! And I’m glad you loved the poem! Have a great day! 🥰
You are always welcome dear Lauren. Happy weekend.
Happy Birthday, lovely Lauren. We are sending you and Matt much love and hugs. Your poem is fabulous. Xxxxx 😘🤗❤️✨️
Thanks so much for the beautiful words and wishes, Jane! I’m so glad you loved the poem too. Sending you and Tim lots of love and hugs also. Keeping you both in my heart. 💗🌷💗xoxo
Belated happy birthday. Well shared 👍👌
Thanks so much! 😊
🥰
Nature reminds us that life is beautiful! I’m glad you had a nice birthday!
It sure does! Thanks so much, Dawn! I’m not around as often, but I hope you’re doing well. xo
Thank you, Lauren for your uplifting post filled with gratitude. 💕
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post, Carol. Thank you! xoxo
Hello Lauren, I hope you’re well. Thank you for this nice and positive post. Best wishes for a late happy birthday!! Indeed life is precious and it’s a chance we must remember. So many things can take us away from the beauty around, that’s why it’s always important to have reminders like yours ✨💕. Stay well and blessed!
Hi Marie, all is well, and I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. Thank you for the birthday wishes and lovely words. I hope all is well with you too. I’m not online as much but I’ll visit you soon! Hugs! 💝🌷🥰
Such lovely and loving thoughts about birthdays, Lauren! So glad yours was happy. Wonderful dove poem! 💕🎂💕
Thanks so much, Lori! I appreciate your kind words on all counts! Happy Monday! 🥰💖🤗