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 ❤️
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! ❤️
As I mentioned in my last post, I’m focusing on my book to honor Copper, our senior puppy who received angel wings in March, while also trying to visit you. This has been my mindset for the week, but I’m pulling my hair out because of glitches. Third time’s a charm, they say, and Life is NOT about throwing in the towel!
Anyway, one of the posts I had the pleasure of visiting was Vicki’s, and it truly intrigued me. Please pop over to her lovely sight for inspiration and enlightenment: https://victoriaponders.com/2025/04/28/echoes/. She was originally inspired by Lori’s post: https://loripohlmanwriter.com/2025/04/25/polished-maple-tables/in which I also visited, feeling the same rush of inspiration. They both spotlighted the following poem and the concept of writing our own version:
Where I’m From By George Ella Lyon
I am from clothespins, from Clorox and carbon-tetrachloride. I am from the dirt under the back porch. (Black, glistening it tasted like beets.) I am from the forsythia bush, the Dutch elm whose long gone limbs I remember as if they were my own. I am from fudge and eyeglasses, from Imogene and Alafair. I’m from the know-it -alls and the pass -it -ons, from perk up and pipe down. I’m from He restoreth my soul with cottonball lamb and ten verses I can say myself. I’m from Artemus and Billie’s Branch, fried corn and strong coffee. From the finger my grandfather lost to the auger the eye my father shut to keep his sight. Under my bed was a dress box spilling old pictures. a sift of lost faces to drift beneath my dreams. I am from those moments — snapped before I budded — leaf-fall from the family tree
To read more information and for helpful tools in writing your poem, please visit Vicki and Lori’s wonderful posts. And now, I offer you my version. I didn’t use Lori’s template, but I ran with the concept. Thoughts appeared one after the other, so mine is a bit lengthy, but I don’t feel like cutting anything out just yet. Subtle rhymes also slid their way in, and I’m unsure if they were supposed to. Nonetheless…
I am from
I am from my mom’s emotions that had a mind of their own so wild at times emulating a summer storm I am from my dad’s humor where smiles bloomed but his temper too in my less patient moods
I am from flower petals I did not plant Mom’s were nurtured – my thumbs weren’t green yet the petals’ beauty is always seen I am from butter, sugar (granulated and brown), vanilla, baking powder and soda, and nuts, yes, sometimes this is the case, and chocolate chips in their tantalizing ways
I am from the moon in her mystery The sun in his radiance The lake in its serenity
I am from the well-liked and the shunned the self-doubt lodged on my shoulders the redwoods standing tall I am from planned and spontaneity clarity and ambiguity
I am from the Big Bear cabin on the corner from laps and splashes in Orange County pools I am from “When you have children, you’ll understand” I am from two sanctuaries for finding God to discovering faith near mountains and sand
I am from me unique, quirky, strong, kind, a used-to-be people-pleaser the third of three daughters I am from knowledge still pouring in like a flood of surging waters I am from gratitude for every little blessing from those I love, from being loved I am.
Hubby and I are the proud landlords of a couple of feathered friends. They both worked hard to build a nest for their babies and chose our hanging ladder for the base. Needless to say, we are not moving the ladder until they relocate! Friday morning, I was lucky to get some photos while I quietly stepped outside. When I walked a little farther, they fled, landing on the power line, and watching me like a hawk, I’m sure.
aware while they work a safe home of leaves and twigs the honor is ours
That evening, we tried a new restaurant. A little wine bar in downtown that also serves Sonoran food. With an elegant, yet cozy ambience, the environment was inviting, and the food, delicious! We tried one of their burritos, ate half, so enjoyed two meals out of them. But first, we savored wine and good conversation before diving into dinner. A myriad of music genres in the background played a role in this wonderful dining experience. As we strolled back to our car, we passed a garden of stunning roses. I couldn’t help but stop to tap away on my cellfor some pics.
springtime bling uplifts abounding with vibrancy rose beauty for you
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope you enjoyed my nature exhibit and poems. 🙂 Now, onto the books! 📚
Yesterday, Japan joined the US and made Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku a #1 Amazon Bestseller, too, and in Gabriela’s post today, she features two of my haiku…
feel the quietness on the meandering trail worries drift to earth
Please visit her post to read my other poem and for more information about this wonderful book. Congrats again to Editor, Gabriela Marie Milton, and to the other fabulous contributors! I’m honored to be a part of this beautiful anthology!And don’t forget to order your copy!
Lastly, my presence in the next week or two may be spotty as I’m drilling down on bringing my ‘Copper’ book to print. However, I’ve run into another glitch (gotta love those glitches that challenge us). But I’m persevering because this book means a lot to me. Of course, all books hold special meanings for their authors. 😁 Anyway, thank you from the bottom of my heart for visiting my corner of blogland. I hope you’ve enjoyed your time here enough to return. And I wish you peace, happiness, and lots of love! ❤️
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, but I don’t walk in their shoes. Meeting challenges head-on distracts heart and mind, but in the hush of turmoil, I imagine their emotions will morph into wild too. Until then, questions soar like baseballs out of a batting machine. Some answers remain elusive. Others may be clear as morning dew but tricky to swallow – digesting turns into a test of the human spirit. What comes next? Only uncertainty is for certain.
“Cora’s Quest is a delightful story for young children with a clear message of thinking through difficult situations, remembering what your parents have taught you, and being courageous...”
Please visit Robbie’s blog to read the full review, and for another great book recommendation.You can also learn more about her fabulous poetry, photography, books, and incredible baking creations. Her latest book, Burning Butterflies, is available now on Amazon:
Thanks again, Robbie! I’m happy dancing! ❤️🙏 And thank you, dear friends, for stopping by on your way to Robbie’s blog! Have a terrific day! 💖
It was just the two of us for Easter, and we were running on spontaneity, but the day turned out to be lovely in so many ways. It began with an hour bike ride in the morning around the neighborhood and back to our kids’ elementary school. We have a lot of hills near our house, so we head for the flats! Although, we attempted more hills in the midst of the flats, executing them perfectly! We’re a little out of shape because of knee and back issues, but cycling is good for both, so we’re taking baby steps. But yesterday was a work out and it felt great! And we love this cool bench that sends a vital message for children…
After the ride, we headed south, enjoying a scenic drive along the San Francisco Bay. A seafood lunch called us, so we accepted the invitation. Afterwards, we walked around town, and for Easter, it was surprising to see all the shops open and the town hopping! (no pun intended) Spring flowers smiled at us around each corner, the sun was shining, but the temp wasn’t hot, even a bit cool with the breeze at times. It was sweet to see little children dressed up in their adorable Easter outfits. We saw a cute little girl in the restaurant randomly wish a stranger a Happy Easter. She had the biggest smile on her face. Precious! A beautiful day on the bay! And, we saw the Easter Bunny! How lucky, right? 😁
Redwoods on campusView from our table on the patio for lunchFerry ride, anyone? The fountain and sculpture in Tiburon’s Main Street plaza is called “Coming About“. It’s a kinetic sculpture with a nautical theme, featuring five abstract forms that move over an infinity-edged fountain. Tiburon in Spanish means shark, so these fins are representative of the town. A sight for smiles! 😂
And now for spring haiku:
warm temperatures grace our days with smiling blooms pass the tissue, please!
sending wishes for a bright, ‘sunny side up’ cheerful day for you!
I wish you a great week ahead, and as always, thank you so much for popping in to my little corner of blogland. ❤️
This photo evokes many great Easter memories, even though our son doesn’t look too happy! Looking back, I’m not sure how thrilling it was for our children to visit The Easter Bunny or Santa Claus. But at the time, it’s what we did for that iconic photo! Do you remember those times? I think when they were younger like our son’s age in this photo, they were more agreeable with Santa Claus!
Easter is a Christian holiday that marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. Whether you believe in Jesus, or even if you’re concerned about the current political climate, Easter is also a fun day for children as they go on their Easter egg hunts. I always hope the rain will be kind to the children, letting the sun steal the show. I found the meaning of the Easter egg online: symbolizes the empty tomb from which Jesus resurrected, representing new life and rebirth.
Easter for Matt and I is quieter each year with our son and daughter living out of state, and our parents have both passed. My sisters are in Southern California and have their own families. We had always attended church, but we stepped away a few years ago when some members soured our experience. This had been ongoing, but we finally reached a point of making a decision. Then going to church changed to getting outdoors, spending time with nature…hiking on a trail, picnicking, walking on the beach, taking in all the beauty surrounding us and the blessings in our life.
So, I wish you all a Blessed Easter whatever you believe, and I wish you much love and joy not only on this celebrated day, but on every day to come. Spread the Love! 💜
A beautiful day for little ones running on lawns with giggles searching for pretty Easter eggs their bodies full of wiggles Sunshine high in the sky for this day of celebration smiling blooms of new life hopeful hearts of elation
My amount of time to read lately can be equated to the size of a pebble! I’m still working on my ‘Copper’ book while trying to read your wonderful blog posts, so I’m continually searching for more time. If you stumble upon some, even a dash, please let me know. 🙂 I managed to finish two great books though, different genres, but so good! I hope you don’t leave today empty-handed!
On the back cover it is written that “Not all heroes are known. Not all battles are seen” and after turning the last page, nothing could be truer. This encouraging book is compiled of ten incredible stories. My emotions stirred, and I was in awe of the heroes with fearless mindsets to help others. These human beings tested their abilities to achieve what might be assumed as impossible.
Each narrative was moving, but a few that stood out were “Chiune Sugihara, The Japanese Schindler” which tells of how one man provided an escape route for thousands of Jewish families during the Nazi regime. “Chen Si, The Guardian of the Bridge” speaks about a man who prevented many hopeless souls from jumping who saw suicide as their only option. “Babar Ali, The Boy Who Built a School” touches on a boy who believed that education should be a right and not a privilege. Lastly, “Dian Fossey, The Woman Who Spoke to Gorillas” tells of how a woman built a life-changing bond between her and gorillas that she found to be gentle and genuinely social.
Joy and sorrow both play a role in every experience – accounts of people who fought against all odds, persevering when moving forward seemed challenging. Sacrifices were required in order to initiate their ideas. These heroes weren’t wealth or fame chasers, and some circumstances were those that we can only imagine. Their accomplishments, tenacity, and passion to their causes demonstrate the goodness in humanity. These stories are life-changing, so I highly recommend this inspiring book.
I follow the author’s blog, but A Beggar’s Bargain is the first book I’ve read by Jan Sikes. Now I know it won’t be my last. The story is told in post WWII era which depicts not an easy life, but one where simple pleasures are truly enjoyed. Sikes creates strong characters in Layken and Sara Beth. You will grow to love them and root for them. Layken has been discharged from the army and vows to save his family farm in Missouri. He’ll do anything to honor his late parents, but the odds are against him. This heartwarming tale begins with a preposterous deal that he is offered. Times are desperate, so he should accept it or cope with the dying fate of his farm spanning over 200 acres.
The story reminds us to persevere and not give up, to remain hopeful, and to not lose faith. A Beggar’s Bargain touches on what it means to be a family, hard work, and ‘keeping your eye on the ball.’ And family doesn’t necessarily mean by blood.
When I finished the book, my faith in humanity was restored. All readers will resonate with the concept of staying determined while overcoming adversity because everyone endures hard times at some level. A moving historical fiction and feel-good story that I highly recommend.
And because I don’t post every day, I have to (shamelessly) share a new, amazing review for Cora’s Quest by Ritish Sharma.
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a sweet and uplifting story Reviewed in India on April 14, 2025 Verified Purchase
Cora’s Quest is such a lovely little adventure. Lauren Scott has written a story that’s both heartwarming and inspiring. Cora the fawn is so curious and brave that you can’t help but cheer her on as she faces her fears and tries to find her way back to her parents.
The writing has a beautiful flow to it, and it’s perfect for reading out loud with kids. The message about being brave, even when you feel small or scared, is something I think a lot of children (and adults) will connect with. The illustrations by Chris Mendez are full of life and add so much to the story. Knowing a bit about his background makes the artwork even more special.
Overall, this is such a sweet and meaningful book. Definitely recommend it for storytime or as a thoughtful gift.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thanks again to Ritish for his fabulous review! I am so grateful and I know Chris is too! Most importantly, it is great to know that Cora’s story is touching many readers. A children’s book, yes, but the message about ‘finding your courage’ is applicable to all ages.
I appreciate your visit and hope you enjoyed the reviews. Also, please don’t forget to place your orders! I ‘say’ this with a smile. 😊 Have a wonderful day! ❤️
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author & Poet 