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 ❤️
Nighttime falls inside the doors of the beautiful hotel an experience to tuck away in my memory box Many sprint here and there following their agendas in the midst of mild chaos – some scrambling from point A to point B, wondering what happens next or maybe they’ll discover a cozy spot like mine with a small, round table and chair in my private slice of darkness
An unexpected power outage doesn’t stop me Who doesn’t wish for a little light, but functioning without it… bring on the adventure!
As I look around in blackness and listen, words flutter nearby I feel their gentle presence like a hummingbird’s I exercise patience, pen in hand, journal lying open like a flower in bloom ready to soak up sunshine A page lies in wait until it feels satisfied with vowels and consonants tumbling upon its lined surface
The flameless candles glow, yellows dance a jig, comfort in my bones chaos maybe, but laughter echoes in the distance I accept a complimentary champagne validating my existence And so, it is in darkness when I become inspired
On March 7th, Brian from https://writingfromtheheartwithbrian.com/ wrote a post that will bring a smile. He talks about the wonder of children’s books and how they show us what is “right and good in the world, and what is real.” Brian was kind enough to include my book, Cora’s Quest, but because of Copper’s passing, I wasn’t in the mindset to share. My heart still aches, but today is a better day to reblog.
Thanks again, Brian, for including Cora and your amazing review in your inspiring post. I’m so grateful, and I hope the students in your wife’s class love reading about Cora too! 🙏
I’m sharing Brian’s review below, but please click on the blog link to read his full post. Other children’s literature is mentioned that will evoke great memories.
Looking for a little courage
For example, when police investigations into the New Orleans truck attack that killed 15 people and the Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas dominated the news in January, I found myself reading fellow blogger Lauren Scott’s children’s book Cora’s Quest. (Lauren can be found on her blog, Baydreamer Writes.)
In Scott’s wonderful little book, fawn Cora gets separated on a wooded trail from her ma and pa. When she looks up from investigating a fuzzy caterpillar, her parents are gone. She starts to worry about being in the big forest all alone. Of course it gets scary. The tree branches look like they’re reaching out to grab her. Have you been in the woods in the dark? It can be a scary place. She can feel her tummy rumble and fear “trickle from her nose to her hooves.” I was right there with her.
Despite everything, she stands firm and reminds herself that “My body may be small, but my courage is big.”
When she thinks she can’t bear it anymore, her parents come from behind a bush. Of course, the three kiss and celebrate. They hurry home to feast on apples and acorns. If we ever needed a reminder to be courageous in the world, now is the time. Everyday some new problem comes out of the woodwork and the world seems minutes from calamity. Despite it all, little Cora shows us the way. “My body may be small, but my courage is big.”
What a great reminder. I can’t think of better advice. Yes, you go Cora! Lauren’s writing is touching and the colorful images by her illustrator Chris Mendez jump off the page. It’s perfect for young kids and the young-at-heart like myself. Be sure to check it out.
And if you don’t know Brian, check out his blog! He’s a wonderful writer who shares his thoughts and experiences in a way that entertains and engages, and usually prompts a giggle!
Thanks for stopping by, and I wish you a wonderful Friday and weekend! ❤️🙏
Copper crossed over the rainbow bridge, and I don’t know how we made it through from last Monday, a very sad and emotional day, to today. It’s been tough. Loss is Loss. He wasn’t just a dog, he was family, and for thirteen years he was in our lives. So, it takes more than a day or two, or even a week to move forward without a broken heart. Truth is, I don’t know how long it will take. But in between the tearful moments from missing him beyond words – from not being able to pet him, kiss him on the top of his soft head, feel his silky ears, or bury our faces in his fur, we find joy in the life we had with him, how he enriched our lives with his unconditional love. It’s serendipitous to know that he came into our lives in March 2012 and left our earthly world in March 2025. All we can do is give ourselves grace (my daughter’s advice), and continue to take one day at a time.
I’ve been writing a lot, as my good friend, Resa from https://graffitiluxandmurals.com/, advised me to do. Her words, “Fall on your pen!” So I share this poem with you today; it’s still new with possible editing in the future, but it fits for today from my heart to yours:
Loss is Loss
Death comes in many forms Death can be tragic Death can be anticipated Regardless, when a loved one passes whether human or pet loss is loss hearts still break open tears fall until there are no more stages of grief call us and we answer submitting to erratic emotions to heaviness in heart and limbs to wondering if the sun will rise again and no matter what triggers the pain we must offer ourselves grace… to grieve as we should to mourn as days unfold Loss is loss shattering us into tiny pieces of uncertainty until the healing of time brings those pieces back together.
Thank you for ‘being there’ for me and my family, and I look forward to reading your wonderful posts again. And if you have a dog or cat, give them a hug for me. ❤️
Thank you for the comforting comments on my prior post about Copper’s passing. It’s been an emotional week. He was our family for 13 years, so his absence and everything triggers tears and sobs. But the wonderful memories are coming too. Right now, I feel wiped out. Wild emotions for four days can do that (today is day five). Not sure how long this will last, but we’re taking it one day at a time. Anyway, I’m sharing more photos of our beloved Copper Boy from over the years. We have a billion. I think this is therapy for me while living in a deep pit of grief, but someday, the pain will transform into those sweet, precious memories. Copper will always be in our hearts. I’m also turning off comments because I just don’t have the energy. I’m sorry for missing your posts, and I hope you understand, but I hope to be back on board soon. ❤️
We had prepared for ‘the dreaded day’ because of Copper’s age, 14 1/2, but nothing can fully prepare you or prevent your emotions from running wild when that day arrives out of the blue. Yesterday morning, Copper unexpectedly took a turn for the worse and received his angel wings. Matt, the kids, and I…we all sobbed off and on, and the tears will come until they’re all dried up. Our hearts are broken. So many reminders around the house…photos, his beds, chew bone, leash and collar, dog bowls, and dog food. When I saw his bowl of dog treats, I lost it.
But the silver lining is that we were so lucky to have had Copper in our family for almost 13 years. As time passes, the good memories will bring warmth and comfort to our souls. Right now, the grieving is raw. Honestly, I’m an emotional mess. We’ll miss his energy, his pleading for belly rubs, his slobbery kisses and cuddles and snuggles, his unconditional love. Those amber eyes. Sigh. He loved Dad, and his sister and brother more than words can express. But I was his mom, and he followed me everywhere, watching me like a hawk if I walked out of the room. I will miss my shadow. I’m wearing his dog tag as a necklace. I don’t care what people think. He was our family and we miss him so much.💔
Though yesterday was sad beyond words, there were many blessings in which Copper passed. His suffering began but it didn’t linger. The day was tranquil, the sky blue. And the timing, serendipitous – we adopted Copper and brought him into our hearts in March 2012, and he received his angel wings in March 2025.
We will always love you, Copper Boy! ❤️ Adopted March 27, 2012 – March 3, 2025 Received Angel Wings
I have a billion photos, but here a few of our beloved Copper Boy…
Our 14 1/2 year old puppy – this photo is from my blog post last week. ❤️
Thank you so much for stopping by, and please forgive me if I don’t respond to your comments right away. I don’t have the bandwidth for doing much, but I thought you’d want to know about Copper. ❤️
I’m not good at this. It’s a bit uncomfortable. However, it’s a vital part of an Indie Author package. So, the moment has come to do a promotional post for my book, Cora’s Quest. I don’t have the backing of a publisher (not yet), so every little ounce of promotion makes a difference. Are you still with me? I hope so! And just so you know, I don’t publish books for money. My expenses outweigh any profits. 😳
I publish books as my legacy for my family, but there’s another reason. ..Sharing my writing regardless of the genre gives you a glimpse into my heart and soul, while hoping that my experiences will touch you in some way.
“Courage is the most important of the virtues, because without it, no other virtue can be practiced consistently,” ~ Maya Angelou
We all have goals that we list in a journal or on our computers, and as we complete those goals, we check that box off which gives us a great feeling of accomplishment. So, publishing Cora’s story that has sat patiently on the back burner for years feels incredible! Currently, I’m working on another children’s story that I plan to submit to an agent or small kid-lit press mid year. Cheers to 2025 goals and meeting them! 👏🏼
Now, one tidbit of valuable information I learned at the San Francisco Writers Conference is that even if an author has an agent and a conventional publisher, the author is still expected to promote that amazing, best seller book! Thus, authors need to step out of their comfort zones to promote their own work!
“If you’re not getting outside of your comfort zone, then you’re not growing.”
“Life begins outside of our comfort zone.”
I’m writing this from the heart…if you have little ones, if you know someone who has young children ages 2-5, or if you’re a grandparent with grandkids in this age range, I hope you’ll consider inviting Cora into your family. Or if you’re an adult and the weight of the world is bogging you down and you need an uplifting quick read, Cora would love to spend time with you. 🥰
Click on image to purchase your copy!
I’m also thankful for the awesome 5-star reviews Cora has received on Amazon and Goodreads!! 🙏 I’m sharing a couple from D. L. Finn and Pete Springer to hopefully entice you. Please click on their names to visit their wonderful blogs and learn more about their books. Additional reviews can be found on my page, or on Amazon and Goodreads. D.L. Finn 5.0 out of 5 stars You’ll want to read this to your younger children! Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2024 Verified Purchase
Cora’s Quest is a sweet story about a deer’s family outing. Cora is enjoying the forest until things change quickly, and now she needs to find her courage. A fantastic story to read to your little ones or for young readers to enjoy. The illustrations are beautiful and full of color, and the story is woven into a lesson that will resonate with children and their families. Here is an engaging passage: “An owl hoots/from its lofty perch./ The wind howls,/swirling around Cora./Grunts and growls/in the distance/steal her courage!/ They act like thieves!” I can easily recommend this story for young readers and those who read to them.
Cora is a curious fawn who loves to explore but sometimes is easily distracted by things in nature. When she get separated from her parents, Cora is first overcome with fright. One’s imagination can play tricks and at first it’s hard for her to act. Even though Cora is lost, she remembers the lessons her parents taught her that size doesn’t determine anyone’s courage. It is the ability to keep a calm head and to be brave which allows the the fawn to find her parents.
Poet Lauren Scott has written a wonderful picture book with an excellent lesson reminding children to think clearly in a crisis and not to become prisoners of fear. Scott’s nephew, Chris Mendez, adds to Cora’s story with his delightful illustrations. There is an inspiring note in the illustrator’s notes about how he has used art therapy to help himself and others to overcome issues with anxiety.
Click on image to purchase your copy!
If you’re captivated by now and would like to purchase a copy, simply click on either the front or back cover image that will gently carry you over to Amazon. For another option, the B&N link is https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/coras-quest-lauren-scott/1146540878?ean=9798218408756. I highly recommend the paperback so that your little ones can experience the full magic. 💖
And lastly, if you love Cora’s Quest, please consider sharing a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. You’ve heard it before, “Book reviews are like hugs to authors.” And who doesn’t like a hug? 🤗
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR STOPPING BY, AND FOR SIMPLY SPENDING YOUR PRECIOUS TIME WITH MEAT BAYDREAMERWRITES, 💜 AND I WISH YOU A HAPPY MONTH OF MARCH! 🌻
Last Sunday we took Copper, our 14 1/2 year old puppy, to our favorite state park. The weather was cool but not freezing, just perfect for a walk among the redwoods. Copper loved walking around, taking in the new sights and smells. He can’t hear anymore, so we use hand signals to communicate with him, and we give him lots of hugs and kisses. I took some pics and sent them to our daughter and son who live in TN. and CO. Then I saw an IG post from my daughter that went straight to my heart. She wrote about living far away from ‘her dog’ and missing him so much. I’m going to share it, then I’m going to add a poem written from Copper’s POV. So, this post is a combination of tears and smiles. I hope you enjoy, and maybe you’ll relate too.
From my daughter:
“It’s weird having a dog or any pet be part of your life for a good amount of time but then you move away. Across the country. And rarely see them anymore. And when you do visit once or twice a year, you’re so excited to see them because you know them, but you wonder if they remember or recognize you. And they look older because you’re older. When we first adopted Copper, I was with him for 6 years and was hesitant on adopting another dog after Lucky Girl passed. And now, I’ve been away from him for that same amount of time that I was with him & it’s sad, bittersweet. He’s still got those same amber eyes you get lost in, but he’s a little grayer than he was the previous year. And you just know the inevitable. It’s weird being so far away & not “growing up” with him into adulthood. But when someone asks if I have a dog, I say yes even though it’s only through pictures my mom sends me. I love this boy so much.” ❤️ (This brought us to tears. We miss her enough, and then to read her feelings about living far from Copper just about did us in! Does this scenario sound familiar?)
And now, let’s wipe away those tears and find a smile:
What a Fun Day! (from Copper’s POV)
Thanks, Mom and Dad, for taking me to the park! I took in all the beauty without one single bark!
Oh, the smells were awesome, and the redwoods so tall! I’m pretty tall myself but I felt very small!
Lifting my leg was fun around new territory, I even inspired Mom to tell my canine story!
We walked by the creek hearing water flowing. You said it was peaceful without any wind blowing.
Then we found a table where you ate your lunch and I gulped down my food with a crunch and a munch!
Naptime followed soon when I plopped down on my bed, with every muscle relaxed I laid down my big head.
I know I’m older now; I don’t move very fast, but I’m glad we came here because I really had a blast!
A note from Copper: I hope you liked this post that my mom and I put together! Can you relate? Do you have a dog or cat that melts your heart and whose eyes see right into your soul like mine do? If you do, let my mom know in the comments. And thanks for coming by today! I hope you don’t mind a slobbery kiss from me! ❤️🐶🐾
The conversation turned heavy discussing God’s existence, then noticing the time, my husband opened the door to retrieve our dinner, Grub Hub, don’t judge, a Friday convenience! Then a moth slipped in quietly, adroitly, wearing lime green and milky white. It landed on a nearby chair, and my husband spoke, “Is it you, Mom? It’s been 33 years, and we still miss you so much.” The moth lifted from the cloth rising up into the air, gliding out the door from which it came. It was Diane. We believe. Her entrance was timely, so perhaps, a reminder. We gave tears freedom. We know they’ll revisit because the many used up calendars over the years are irrelevant. His world was shattered too soon, but the events of that day are as vivid as yesterday’s sunset. Funny, how a little moth on its own special journey lifted our spirits that evening.
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author & Poet 