Welcome to my corner of this wonderful community where I share my poetry, short stories, and occasional photos. My husband and I have been married for almost thirty-five years, and we have two adult children. Our furry family member is Copper, an 80-lb chocolate lab mix, and he just turned 13 years old.
I have published two collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013) and Finding a Balance (2015). My memoir, More than Coffee, was published in 2021, and my recent publication is a poetry collection titled Ever So Gently released in July.
I have finished my first children’s book and am working with my illustrator with plans to publish in 2024.
When you visit, I hope you find something to take with you, but that you also find something enticing enough to keep bringing you back. I truly appreciate your visit.
Cheers,
Lauren ❤️
Book Fair from May 17th – Fabulous and Successful!
I’m excited to share that I was interviewed by Editor, Barbara Leonhard, at MasticadoresUsa about my latest children’s book, Cora’s Quest, and she features our conversation on her blog today. Please visit her site to read the interview, and while you’re there, peruse around. You’ll discover poetry of many talented authors, and you’ll probably know most of them. Thank you so much, Barbara!
I appreciate your visit, and thanks again, Barbara, for inviting me to your wonderful site! 💕🌷
Have a peaceful weekend, Everyone! ❤️
By the way, I recently renovated my blog, so it would be wonderful if you ‘liked’ my Home Page. And if you haven’t already, leave a comment on my guestbook (started 14 years ago). Thank you! 🥰
Available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble, but click on the image to purchase your copy through Amazon.And a friendly nudge to share a review online if you loved Cora’s Quest. Thanks so much! 💜
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on my childhood, and since Disneyland played such a big role, a poem began to bloom like a new bud slowly opening up. It all began with a seed – a most beloved mouse, who is 96 years old, making his first appearance in November 1928. Each memory that came to mindwas like a new petal on a blooming flower…
A kidney-shaped pool, lush lawn, and lone palm tree sat in my backyard, along with Walt Disney’s visionary creation. Friends and I visited the magical park during many summers, paying around $5 to walk through the gates that would lead us to Main Street. Those were the days!
‘A through E’ ticket books navigated us, but we had our favorite starting point, a boat ride through different countries while everyone sang, “It’s a Small World.” Then we flew through space on a rollercoaster, Cinderella’s castle enchanted us, and who wouldn’t fall in love with the flying elephant we know as Dumbo?
Wecruised through the jungle, screamed around every turn in the mansion, held tight to bobsleds down the mountain, had fun in the sun on Tom Sawyer’s Island, guzzling cold apple cider. E tickets were gold! An adventure for both young and old!
We indulged in a sinfully delicious Monte Cristo at The Blue Bayou in The Pirates of the Caribbean listening to sounds in the night as boats glided by. Later in life, it was still ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’ for a family of four, everlasting delight.
Despite climbing ticket costs and cacophony of crowds, I’d love another stroll down Main Street to feel the enchantment swirl around me, wave to Donald Duck, shake hands with Tigger, hear laughter of children, eyes opened wide with wonder. I’d join others in wearing those iconic mouse ears! I’d love to see Mickey and Minnie again after all these years!
Maybe one more time from memories so dear because joy would bloom from being in the moment, in the fairytale…what a feeling! Dear Walt Disney, thank you for dreaming!
I could only find a few photos, so here’s one of me from the mid 70s 🙂
Riding on the Skyway (sky buckets) which was closed in 1994. I loved my shag haircut and halter tops. 🙂Back in the day when cell phones and millions of photos didn’t exist. Poor quality, but the memories remain vivid and wonderful.
And here’s a family Disneyland collage from 2012:
Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoyed this Disney blast to the past! A fun poem for me to write and great memories to revisit. And if you’re also a Disney fan and find yourself in San Francisco, try to visit The Walt Disney Family Museum. You’ll learn about the history and making of Disneyland, how it all began for Walt Disney,and it’s a fascinating visual experience! https://www.waltdisney.org
Available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble, but click on the image to purchase your copy through Amazon.And a friendly nudge to share a review online if you loved Cora’s Quest. Thanks so much! 💜
I hope you’re doing well! We’re enjoying our last weekend with our son before he returns to CO. I’ll try to contain the tears, but I have a feeling they’ll be the winners. The visit has been wonderful, but we raise our children to fly from the nest, to create their own lives, and ours have done just that to make us proud. Sigh.
On another note, I’ve renovated my blog, so if you notice, let me know what you think. Or if you have ideas to make it look better, please share them. I’m no webmaster! My goal was to create an author page with my blog as a separate tab. I did it, but it wasn’t an easy task. Thanks to the Gremlins for taking a lunch break while I diligently worked and followed directions online. 🙂 And if you check out my home page, feel free to click on the ‘like’ button. ❤️
And lastly, a long weekend in the U.S. arrives but not without a high price…
You may not know me the first time we meet I’m just another you see on the street But I am the reason you walk and breathe free I am the reason for your liberty
I AM A VETERAN
I work in the local factory all day I own the restaurant just down the way I sell you insurance, I start your IV I’ve got the best-looking grandkids you’ll ever see
I’m your grocer, your banker Your child’s schoolteacher I’m your plumber, your barber Your family’s preacher But there’s part of me you don’t know very well Just listen a moment, I’ve a story to tell
I AM A VETERAN
I joined the service while still in my teens I traded my prom dress for camouflage greens I’m the first in my family to do something like this I followed my father, like he followed his
Defying my fears and hiding my doubt I married my sweetheart before I shipped out I missed Christmas, then Easter The birth of my son But I knew I was doing what had to be done
I served on the battlefront, I served on the base I bound up the wounded And begged for God’s grace I gave orders to fire, I followed commands I marched into conflict in far distant lands
In the jungle, the desert, on mountains and shores In bunkers, in tents, on dank earthen floors While I fought on the ground, in the air, on the sea My family and friends were home praying for me
For the land of the free and the home of the brave I faced my demons in foxholes and caves Then one dreaded day, without drummer or fife I lost an arm, my buddy lost his life
I came home and moved on But forever was changed The perils of war in my memory remained I don’t really say much, I don’t feel like I can But I left home a child, and came home a man
There are thousands like me Thousands more who are gone But their legacy lives as time marches on White crosses in rows And names carved in queue Remind us of what these brave souls had to do
I’m part of a fellowship, a strong mighty band Of each man and each woman Who has served this great land And when Old Glory waves I stand proud, I stand tall I helped keep her flying over you, over all
Available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble, but click on the image to purchase your copy through Amazon.And a friendly nudge to share a review online if you loved Cora’s Quest. Thanks so much! 💜
I don’t know about you, but to me, this poem is moving beyond words. 💜
Thank you for stopping by, and I wish you all a safe Memorial Day Weekend. ❤️🇺🇸
Please know there is no bragging in this post. I’m simply sharing my first-time experience and excitement participating in a book fair...
It turned out that I had a fabulous time at the Ukiah Children’s Book Fair on Saturday held at The City of Ten Thousand Buddhas! Cora’s Quest was in the spotlight! I did my first children’s book reading which went smoothly. I’m also thrilled that I sold 12 books! So exciting, I have to admit! 🎉
The event was well organized, so I offer a huge Thank You to all involved in making this fair a success. If I had to choose a word for this day, it would be ‘Kindness.’ Everyone was so nice! The authors received a goodie bag upon arrival and were asked to sign a poster board. Such a kind and welcoming gesture!
This book fair was a great opportunity to meet new authors and exchange business cards. It was also fun to carpool with Teri Drobnick and catch up. She and I met at the SF Writers Conference. Her charming book is Moving Day which I highly recommend.Inspired by the real-life story of moving a 139-year-old, 133-ton Victorian house six blocks, this picture book from a house’s perspective is a charming twist on a common childhood experience.
Click on the image to purchase from Amazon.
Some photos are courtesy of The Ukiah Book Fair and some are mine.
Jin Jang – Event Coordinator
From Ukiah’s Facebook post:
The Earth Store Hall came to life as the community came out to meet authors, celebrate books, reading, community and culture! Not only did the event feature dragon & lion dances but also taiko drumming, fan dances and a performance from Ballet Folklorico! There were exclusive food and drink options from Jyun Kang Restaurant and so much more.
For my first book fair, this was an awesome experience! Calm nerves, a relaxing and fun environment, and an opportunity to network, along with promoting Cora’s Quest. I’ve been nudged by Teri and a few other authors to join SCBWI, Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, and I finally took that leap yesterday. Ironically, I have about 4 children’s book ideas brewing! Not sure if they’re good, but I can’t wait to move forward once my Copper book has been released. And I can’t wait for the next book fair!
On a sidenote, I made a To-do list (all about writing projects) and it’s about 20 items long. So, at 2:30 am I woke up thinking about everything on that list! But I dozed off and on until the alarm went off, and during that dozing, a poem swirled around and around like clothes in a washer! Can you relate?
Dear Brain,
I know you want to think Because much needs to be done But now isn’t the time For you, me, or anyone.
The sky is sleepy dark Not a sound stirs outside Humans are slumbering And so must I!
I beg you to flip your switch To the preferred off from on I promise you’ll get your chance At the break of dawn
When the sun rises over hills Wearing tangerine and pink Then you can flip the switch again And think, think, think!
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I hope you enjoyed this update, and as always, I appreciate you stopping by! Have a wonderful day! ❤️
Available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble, but click on the image to purchase your copy through Amazon.And a friendly nudge to share a review online if you loved Cora’s Quest. Thanks so much! 💜
I had a wonderful Mother’s Day with my hubby and son, and daughter via phone from TN. They always make me feel so special and loved. We miss our moms too, and though they’ve been gone for many years, they live in our hearts and a day doesn’t pass by without thinking of them. 💕
My Copper book is finally in the works, survived the glitches, and fingers crossed, no more are waiting on the sidelines. I hope to publish this special book in mid June.
I’m also excited for a book fair that I’m participating in this Saturday. It’s for children’s books, so Cora’s Quest is the main focus and I’ll be doing a reading as well. I’m all prepared and ready to go but have a few more days to wait. Sigh.
“Never forget that anticipation is an important part of life. Work’s important, family’s important, but without excitement, you have nothing. You’re cheating yourself if you refuse to enjoy what’s coming.” ~ Nicholas Sparks, Three Weeks with My Brother
So with all this going on and our son visiting, I’ve fallen off my online routine and apologize for missing some blog posts. It seems there never is enough time, right? But while out for Mother’s Day, I took a few photos of the gorgeous scenery at this time of year (the flowers above included). I hope you enjoy!
Lastly, I’ll end with one of my older poems. Food for thought as you leave my little corner of blogland.
A Detour
It doesn’t matter the position of sun or moon or where my feet have landed… whispers find me, their tasks needing my attention at that very moment.
Do whispers wiggle into your mind too like an annoying song repeating on a loop?
I question if this busyness is urgent enough to prevent us from breathing in
the fragrance of flowers or admiring the pageantry of wildlife outside our windows…
Surely our minds, piled high with clutter,
deserve a detour for some sweet refuge.
From my poetry collection, Ever So Gently, available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
My son read my book while on a 7-month road trip from Maine to California, visiting National Parks.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and I’ll try to catch up with reading blogs today. May love and light wrap you in their warmth. ❤️
I’m replicating my post from last year…It’s limerick time, and this collection was fun to work on, although a couple are more factual and not so delightful. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy!
Unselfish
She is a classy, lovely mother Who puts herself last behind others Their care comes first Health, hunger, or thirst They love her – daughter and brother.
Summer
How special to become a mother Devoted but not to smother To love and raise Till the end of her days Mothers are the essence of summer!
Special Day
The special day comes every year But not all hold their mothers dear Words criticize Make tears leak from eyes Sad those hearts didn’t hold their babes near
Smiles and Giggles
What a miracle to be a mom Caring for babes with a heart of calm Relish in their smiles Giggles heard for miles Music to a mother’s ear, a balm.
Not Fragile
Mothers are an exceptional class Their work ethic no one can surpass Cooking and cleaning Diapering and weaning They’re strong, not fragile like glass!
Warrior Soul
Caring for her children is her role Keeping them safe and happy is her goal A multitasker Sought after Her skills are plenty, a warrior soul!
DNA
DNA does not a mother make DNA may produce a mother fake Who only thinks of herself Baby’s needs on the shelf Baby’s life unimportant and at stake.
Flair
A mother’s talents are exhaustible But clearly, they’re not implausible Many balls in the air She juggles with flair Her demeanor is surely laudable!
Golden Worth
A mother’s love comes from her heart That blooms and glows from the start Cradling at birth A golden worth She’ll give her All to do her part!
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Do you have a favorite or two?Let me know if you do! 😁 Happy Mother’s Day Weekend to all the loving and unselfish moms who have hearts of gold, and to the moms who have left our world, but who live in our hearts. I’m thinking of Doris and Diane, my mom and mother-in-law.
Our son has been visiting from CO. so I haven’t been online as much. It was nice to celebrate his birthday with him, and it will be special to celebrate Mother’s Day with him tomorrow. Our daughter will celebrate with us from TN. I appreciate your presence here and wish you all a fabulous weekend!!! 💗🌺
I was thrilled to find another fabulous review for Cora’s Quest this morning from my good friend, Beth at https://ididnthavemyglasseson.com/. She includes the subtle significance of Cora’s story that is not only for children, but adults would find it important too. A huge thanks to Beth! I’m celebrating and happy dancing once again! 🎉💃
An excerpt:
On her journey, Cora learns that along with the joys come challenges, as she begins to navigate the world around her, remembering the lessons her family has taught her, and gaining confidence along the way, finding a final happy resolution. What a wonderful book to read to your child and what great discussions could follow.
To read her full excellent review, click on the link below, and if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Beth yet, you’re in for a treat. Below is a peek into who she is:
Hello, I am the mother of grown daughters, with grandchildren galore, an enthusiastic dater, a lover of the arts, a teacher, a cupcake maker, a Twister and Trivia champ, and most of all, a keen observer of life. I enjoy being a part of the twists and turns that occur while wandering through everyday events. Many of these happenstances leave me asking, “Why?” While I have been told, more than once, that the reason things have or haven’t happened in my life is because I had no glasses on, rest assured that even if I did have my glasses on, the answers would quite often be unclear. This site is simply an observation, and while blurry at times, an honest attempt to make some sense of it all. Enjoy the ride – Beth
Please pop into Beth’s world to read her fabulous review:
Lastly, I want to thank everyone who has supported me by purchasing a copy of Cora’s Quest and who has shared their lovely review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. I am grateful beyond words! ❤️🙏
Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful day! 💝
I’m thrilled to announce that my poem “Baseballs” is published today on Gobblers by Masticadores. A huge thank you to Editor, Manuela Timofte, for sharing my work on her highly regarded literary site.
Baseballs
One day the sun guides you with its glorious rays, the world spins in its usual manner, then out of thin air, in the blink of an eye, the cliché is yours, under a sullen sky, plans become fractured. Life is altered in a skipped heartbeat that was slow to join the rhythm of the others. My emotions feel awkward. They seem wilder, body feels heavy as though pewter crowds my veins…
To read the full poem, please visit Gobblers by clicking on the link below, and if you’re not already subscribed, please follow Manuela’s wonderful site for a rich poetry experience.
Thanks so much for visiting, and have a wonderful week ahead! ❤️
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author & Poet 