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 ❤️
Sometimes, the road is unrecognizable – life turns slippery, a little messy, at times, a bit menacing, but whatever happens, keep your footing. The intuition that springs from your gut will know when you should accelerate or break. Trust is key, most importantly, believe in yourself. The road will continue, but the daunting will cease.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I hope this poem provides consolation to you who are struggling this holiday season. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for stopping by! ❤️
We miss Copper this holiday season, but we’ll find comfort in the photos of him by the tree, wearing a Santa hat, or snoozing by the fire. If you’d like to order a copy, or know someone who would find comfort in this special collection, please click on the link. Thank you. xo
Do you feel the joy? I often do, but some moments are extraordinary that cloak me in a huge bear hug, stirring emotions so powerful that they frolic inside of me, wanting very much to land in a poem…
Worth Breathing For
There is no better way to say it… bubbles of joy ripple through each vein like chilled Champagne. No darkness falls upon me – only the sun rests in its glowing blush and the inside of my eyelids is brighter than ever. Nothing – no one, not even those who feel entitled can jangle my last nerve. Not one speck of negativity can supplant this bliss rolling through my soul like a consoling breeze on a mission. I’m cheering in the stadium of my own Super Bowl! When these jubilant feelings stop by for a visit, they’re treated like loved ones, welcomed with open arms not wanting to let go. This elation feels like falling in love for the first time – worth breathing for…
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I hope one of these extraordinary moments finds you too, and I wish you a fabulous weekend! 💖
A few weeks ago, Matt and I were enjoying a lunch at a great Mexican restaurant, Flores, and this beautiful piece of art caught my eye. The artist’s name is in the lower right hand corner. I immediately thought of my good friend, Resa, at graffitiluxandmurals.com because she has an eye for stunning street art that she shares on her blog. I had to get some photos, so I pulled out my cell and took a few. Then I sent them to Resa, and she was thrilled to include them in a post last week. Since I was on a blogging break, I’m sharing her fabulous post today where she not only spotlights this gorgeous painting, but many other faces that will take your breath away.
Please click on over to Resa’s blog for more! She is an amazing seamstress, photographer, artist, and friendwho raises the bar when it comes to supporting others. 💖
In addition to Resa’s blog post, if you saw mine from Monday, you’ll know that my haiku “The Reveal” was published on Gobblers by Masticadores. Well, Resa left a comment on Gobblers, and here’s one of her lines: “This Haiku is so pretty, I want it to be a longer poem.” Not only did she inspire me, but she challenged me too. I met the challenge head on, doing my best to create a series of six haiku – #1 is the original.
(1) The Reveal
in the night abyss shimmering with white diamonds hope winks with promise
(2)
optimism shines through each gem pushing aside sierra-sized angst
(3)
mystery flows from one star to the next for our steady pondering
(4)
wonder breathes beneath darkness in its cluster of bright luminaries
(5)
glimmers emit warmth fulfilling souls longing for pure enlightenment
(6)
peace sinks into hearts entwined with a promise from one momentous wink
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I hope peace found you through this haiku series, and thanks again, Resa, for using the mural I sent you, andfor your continued kindness!Thanks to all of you for stopping by,and I wish you a magical December. 💖
All available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Click on sidebar imagefor more info, and to purchase for your holiday shopping!Thank you! ❤️
Happy December! First of all, on the weekend, I tried to activate the snow effect on my blog, but it wasn’t working. Then this morning, it was snowing! A miracle? I don’t know, but I’ll take it as a good sign. ❄️ Now for those who celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope yours was beyond wonderful! We had a lovely time seeing our son and daughter, feeling grateful for everything, but not just on that special Thursday – every day is a day of gratitude. Then we decorated the house for Christmas and it looks beautiful and festive. We played Scrabble, watched movies, went for walks, talked about life, and guess what? Yesterday, I wrote book reviews! Yes, I was behind, so I carved out some time yesterday! I’ll share them this month. Anyway, I missed you all, but I hope you’ve had a great week! And I normally don’t like to add too much to a post simply to keep things simple, but on the day I ‘left’ for a break, I received incredible and unexpected news:
I have been nominated by Literary Revelations for the esteemed Pushcart Prize! It is a huge privilege to be nominated, so Thanks again to Gabriela Marie Milton! I still feel speechless and so honored to be nominated, but also to stand beside the other incredible authors! Congratulations again to the other amazing nominees! 🎉
The Pushcart nomination is a process in which literary magazines and small presses select outstanding works—poetry, essays, or fiction—from their publications for inclusion in the annual Pushcart Prize anthology. Editors submit their chosen pieces to the Pushcart Prize editors, who review all nominations and select the winners for publication.Your letters of nomination will go out before December 1, 2025! Congratulations and good luck!
And this morning, my notifications told me that Gobblers by Masticadores published my haiku “The Reveal!” Thanks again to Manuela Timofte, Editor, for sharing my work each month. Again, I’m honored and so appreciative!
The Reveal – haiku
in a night abyss shimmering with white diamonds hope winks with promise
If you have time (smile), please pay a visit to Gabriela and Manuela. They’ll appreciate your presence, and I’ll appreciate your support. I look forward to reading your posts again, and wish you all a dazzling December! ❄️🩵
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Thank you for coming by! I’m grateful for you all! ❤️
All available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Click on sidebar imagefor more info, and to purchase for your holiday shopping! Thank you! 🙏
I’m combining several things in this post, so make yourself comfortable and pour a glass of your favorite cold or hot drink! To begin with, I had the opportunity to read my book, Cora’s Quest, at our local library. This was a ‘first’ for me, other than the reading at the book fair in May. Seven children and their moms arrived with attentive hearts and minds, and it was wonderful, to say the least. I don’t have many photos because the kids’ faces can’t be seen, but these give you an idea.
I spoke a little before I began reading, and then I had several questions for the children afterwards. They answered and were adorable, not to mention, smart! A few moms chimed in too! And a couple of the moms mentioned to me that they really loved the message in the story: To remember that we always have courage inside of us and to stay calm when we’re feeling afraid.
I had several giveaways: stickers, bookmarks, puppets, and coloring pages, and many of the kids had fun coloring at the table. And I sold some books, which wasn’t the main goal. First of all, I hoped for a decent number of kids to show up, which happened. Then of course, I hoped that the children and parents loved the book, which they did by clapping at the end of the reading. I have to add that all the kids left with a sticker on their shirt or dress, and some of the moms did the same. I had a happy heart, and they all loved Cora! So, that evening, Matt and I toasted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to my success! 🥂
Now as for respite, this will be my last post until the first week of December. It’s time to prepare for the big day, Thanksgiving, and excited to see our kids while also reflecting upon past memories of our parents whom have all passed away. Not to mention, our lovable dogs, and Copper, who we still miss so much. They’re having lots of fun together over the Rainbow Bridge. 🌈
Speaking of Copper, yesterday afternoon I was really missing him and my emotions got the best of me. I was sitting at my desk and happen to look out the window, and what did I see? Our neighbor’s gray cat relaxing on our patio chair. She was all curled up and quite cozy and comfortable. I felt like something bigger was at play because of my longing to hug Copper one more time, and knowing that this holiday season will be our first without him. Sigh.
the timing was purrrfect Copper loved this time of year, and he definitely was a regal boy. 🧡
Lastly, I leave you with old poetic thoughts for Thanksgiving. So, to those who celebrate this holiday, I wish you a blessed day, and to those who don’t, I wish you a blessed day!
Below is a poem I give to you all! ❤️
Thanksgiving Thoughts
Born from history a day we celebrate blessings in our lives, for each breath we take but some live in darkness with light, imaginary living to survive is anything but sanctuary I hold them in my heart, though trite to some ears In moments of surrender, I give freedom to tears
So, I ask not for anything but one gift I will bring to the feast laid before me where all should dance with glee a piece of me that I impart is my very grateful heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I’ll see you in December to resume my blogging routine, so be well, be safe, be happy. Sending love! ❤️
Lauren Scott Author – King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry Author – Cora’s Quest (a children’s book) Author – Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry Author – More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose Author – Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry Author – New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry Co-Author – Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku Co-Author – Petals of Haiku: An Anthology Co-Author – This Is How We Grow Co-Author – Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships Bi-Monthly Contributor on Gobblers by Masticadores Spillwords Author of the Month May 2023 Spillwords Publication of the Month October 2024 Spillwords Publication of the Month June 2025
Good morning and Happy Thursday! I’m listening to raindrops tap dance on the roof as I type up this post. And I’m delighted to share that Editor, Manuela Timofte at Gobblers by Masticadores is featuring my short story today, “She Sleeps.” I’m always grateful to have my writing published on her esteemed site. So thank you again, Manuela, for your generosity and kindness. ❤️
She Sleeps
An eerie high-pitched note whirls around in young Becky’s mind as she sleeps. The howling is earsplitting, wailing just outside her window, imitating a music score in a horror film. Not that she would know because she isn’t old enough to watch scary movies, but her six-year-old imagination tells her so. The trees fall into a trance like a spell has been cast upon them. Rocking back and forth, their branches bend in unnatural ways, the tips like long, pointed fingernails scratching on the double-paned window. The howling grates on her brain like a fork scraping a plate. Raindrops pound with anger. Becky tosses and turns. She fights to stay asleep. Subconsciously, she remembers Beauty and the Beast on the wall above her headboard, the best musical ever, and how she adores Belle. She’s carried to a happy place, slowing falling back into a deep slumber, but only temporarily…
To read the full story, please click on the link below. And if you’re unfamiliar with Manuela’s site, I hope you’ll take time to peruse the various pieces of wonderful writing.
Lauren Scott Author – King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry Author – Cora’s Quest (a children’s book) Author – Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry Author – More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose Author – Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry Author – New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry Co-Author – Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku Co-Author – Petals of Haiku: An Anthology Co-Author – This Is How We Grow Co-Author – Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships Bi-Monthly Contributor on Gobblers by Masticadores Spillwords Author of the Month May 2023 Spillwords Publication of the Month October 2024 Spillwords Publication of the Month June 2025
Lauren Scott Author – King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry Author – Cora’s Quest (a children’s book) Author – Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry Author – More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose Author – Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry Author – New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry Co-Author – Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku Co-Author – Petals of Haiku: An Anthology Co-Author – This Is How We Grow Co-Author – Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships Bi-Monthly Contributor on Gobblers by Masticadores Spillwords Author of the Month May 2023 Spillwords Publication of the Month October 2024 Spillwords Publication of the Month June 2025
We spent last weekend in Wine Country, specifically visiting our favorite boutique winery, Char Vale Vineyards. Our experiences at Char Vale have been so wonderful that we became members. So last weekend, our plan was to pick up the bottles of wine that we had ordered. But as members, we were offered complimentary wine tasting. The owner and staff always go the extra mile, and the setting is magical. On this visit, the one and only winemaker, Justin, came out to meet us, and we chatted for almost a half hour. It was interesting to learn more about the process. We also love this time of year, so watching the wardrobe of Autumn unfold was stunning, to say the least. Golden hues, oranges, reds…warm and cozy vibes. I hope you enjoy the photos…
10 acres of vineyardFrom our table Enjoying the sips and notes and scenery.View from our hotel of the quaint downtown. Early Sunday morning.
Are you surprised that I became inspired to write? 🙂 I hope you enjoy these haiku…
(1)
harvest has ended as season of fall arrives field of golden hues
(2)
blue sky stretches to infinity as we sip notes of pear and peach
(3)
autumn parades her golden gown through ten acres blue sky umbrella
(4)
process continues when leaves gently pirouette lovely vines bare all
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The weekend was beautiful beyond words, and now raindrops dance on our roof. Thanks so much for stopping by, and I wish you a wonderful day! If you found a favorite photo or haiku, let me know in the comments! 🧡❤️🍁
Lauren Scott Author – King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry Author – Cora’s Quest (a children’s book) Author – Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry Author – More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose Author – Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry Author – New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry Co-Author – Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku Co-Author – Petals of Haiku: An Anthology Co-Author – This Is How We Grow Co-Author – Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships Bi-Monthly Contributor on Gobblers by Masticadores Spillwords Author of the Month May 2023 Spillwords Publication of the Month October 2024 Spillwords Publication of the Month June 2025
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author 