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 ❤️
and this sunny, Monday morning, I’m sharing a poem from my book, Ever So Gently. If you’ve already read it, I hope you don’t mind a repeat. 🙂 This poem was inspired from one of our lake trips in the Sierra Mountains…
The First Morning
Our eyes open to chirps from high in the fir trees, and we hear the rustle of a skittering squirrel. The evening before, every creature became silent as darkness sank into the evening. But this morning, with sunlight caressing the lake, we walk the few steps to calm water, nestle into our chairs and slowly sip our coffee. We listen. Peace. Cottony clouds drift by. We want to move into them, feel their softness enfold us. They shift with the grace of a swan. Ripples shimmer above sand. Art in clear water. And this is when we watch morning happen…
Recently, I listened to the new album by Kacey Musgraves. For those of you who aren’t familiar with her, she’s a country singer with a clear voice that soothes as smooth as honey. Her voice has been described by loyal fans as a mother singing sweetly to her baby. I liked the album, but a few songs stood out and one is “Deeper Well.” It touches on letting go of people and habits that hinder us from becoming the best versions of ourselves. I hope you enjoy the song.
Deeper Well by Kacey Musgraves
My Saturn has returned When I turned twenty-seven Everything started to change
Took a long time, but I learned There’s two kinds of people, one is a giver And one’s always tryin’ to take All they can take
So I’m sayin’ goodbye to the people That I feel are real good at wastin’ my time No regrets, baby, I just think that maybe You go your way and I’ll go mine It’s been a real good time But you got dark energy, somethin’ I can’t unsee And I’ve got to take care of myself I found a deeper well
I used to wake and bake Roll out of bed, hit the gravity bong that I made And start the day For a while, it got me by Everything I did seemed better when I was high I don’t know why
So I’m gettin’ rid of the habits that I feel Are real good at wastin’ my time No regrets, baby, I just think that maybe It’s natural when things lose their shine So other things can glow I’ve gotten older now, I know How to take care of myself I found a deeper well
When I was growing up We had what we needed, shoes on our feet But the world was as flat as a plate And that’s okay
The things I was taught only took me so far Had to figure the rest out myself And then I found I found a deeper well
After listening to the lyrics, I was reminded of my father-in-law who saw the good in everyone. I try to do the same, but some people make it more challenging. And age is irrelevant because people who dim the lights in our worlds cross our paths in different phases of our lives. Discerning the truth may happen sooner, or it might take a little longer. But it’s a healthy realization because life is too short. We never know what tomorrow will bring. So, why waste it dealing with people who push us down?
So I’m sayin’ goodbye to the people that I feel are real good at wastin’ my time.
The same thing applies to habits, but breaking habits is easier said than done. And yet, why waste the days doing things that aren’t beneficial to our well-being?
So I’m gettin’ rid of the habits that I feel are real good at wastin’ my time.
I don’t pay close attention to celebrities personal lives, but I heard through the grapevine that Kacey has lived through some emotionally tough times. So, the lyrics are about starting new, starting fresh, and shedding anyone who doesn’t help move her forward in a positive manner. They’re about shedding habits that prevent her from living a healthy life so she can stay focused. The notion of self-care is nothing new, but it’s certainly ongoing. It’s infinite as the years fly by, whether we’re single, married, in a relationship, young, middle-aged, or older. Confidence should be worn on our sleeves instead of erratic emotions to keep our personal spaces sacred and to live each day in ways that will initiate a ‘Thank you’ from our minds and bodies. I couldn’t help but write more limericks…
To Better Our Lives
Some people appear to be the very best But with each day, we are put to the test Words become nothing Actions become something Triggering our minds and hearts to stress.
Decisions are reached to better our lives Time to exterminate negative vibes Personas fake as fur Relations to deter Circumstances guiding towards kinder tribes.
Living under a Clear Sky
Habits entice to some like bourbon on ice They have one goal in mind and it isn’t nice constant brain fog living in smog Are you willing to pay the steep price?
Break the stubborn habit and break it good So you can make the most of your adulthood Stay focused with verve To you, you will serve Deep down inside, you knew you could!
Do you remember the coloring that I attempted month’s ago? It’s from a book titled, “Let that Sh*t Go!” which ties into this post. This fun little book by Monica Sweeney packs in an abundance of wisdom (some four-letter words included), along with adult coloring, as you can see. Well, I finally finished and here is the result:
It’s not a work of perfection, but it’s definitely cheerful, and the process was fun!
What did you think about the song? Did this post resonate? Did a limerick stand out for you? Cheers to Letting Go, Self-Care, and Creativity, andmore awareness to people who try to steal the light from our worlds. Thanks for popping in!I appreciate you! ❤️🩷🧡💜💙
I’m thrilled to share that my poem “As This Moment Journeys Into the Next” is live on Gobblers and Chewers! Thanks so much to Manuela Timofte and her staff for this opportunity. I am very grateful!
As This Moment Journeys Into the Next
I realized this moment would come I knew the time would arrive, those hands on the clock they’re always on the move – when I had dreamed of so much more for this special minute, I have no poem…
To read the rest of the poem, click here, and thank you for your support! Also, please consider subscribing to Gobblers to enjoy poetry from a whole host of talented writers!
Hubby and I tried out a new coffee place Saturday morning and it was very cool (and delicious)!
I splurged on a blackberry peach scuffin and chai latte, and hubby had good ‘ol coffee and a breakfast sandwich. Yum!
After we finished eating, we enjoyed our drinks while walking around the charming old downtown. We both bought a new book to add to our towering TBRs (how could we pass up the bookstore?), and when I saw this mural, I thought of my dear friend, Resa, who goes on adventures, seeking amazing and emotive murals. This one isn’t huge, but the colors, joy, and positivity caught my eye:
I couldn’t see the name of the artist…Too bad the shadow overshadowed this one! Not the best photo, but a new bloom on our patio.
I’m ending this beginning-of-the-week post with a poem that was inspired by all the rain we were getting. The sun will be in the spotlight this week though…
Your Best Interest
Steel gray clouds battle it out with the golden orb, moving slowly to the naked eye, desiring to cleanse – Mother Earth is on their side.
But the golden orb wishes to slide into place to shine for spirits to rise.
Tragedy and bloodshed fill screens causing our souls to weep again.
Which one will prevail? Which will you applaud for? Cleansing or joy? Isn’t it a toss-up?
And yet, emotions lie in our hearts. We choose to let joy flow, instead of falling to our knees, because if there is a way to help, we will lend a hand, we will lend our hearts.
So, make the choice that befits your best interest. Then you will see…
Thank you for visiting today, and I wish you a good week! ❤️
As I began reading Leora’s Letters, the story of The Wilson Family by Joy Neal Kidney, it didn’t take me long to feel moved by the love, faith, and perseverance in this remarkable family. The tale begins with Leora and Clabe who were farmers in Perry, Iowa during WWII, but their story unfolded when one by one, their five sons enlisted, wanting to serve their country. During this period, the family stayed in touch by old fashioned letter writing initiated by Leora, and I felt honored to read the letters that were evidence of their solid family connection. But the intense silence was palpable during the times when Leora and Clabe waited for their sons to reply. I can only imagine the emotional turmoil.
The letters also reminded me of my parents’ story that commenced during WWII. They were engaged in 1942, then my dad was sent overseas. Handwritten letters were the glue that kept them connected for three years before Dad was honorably discharged in 1945. They were married soon after he arrived home. Theirs was a love that was everlasting, and February 24, 2012 would have been their sixty-seventh anniversary, but mom passed away on February 2nd. However, if not for the letters floating back and forth, their story may not have been written. So, there is something exceptional to be noted about old fashioned letter writing, but unfortunately, this intimate gesture has faded with conveniences of technology.
Leora’s Letters may be a personal diary of The Wilson’s, but it also serves as history, reminding us that those who sacrificed their lives in war should not be forgotten. I knew the premise before I started the book, but I wasn’t aware of the details. As I continued from one chapter to the next, I sensed a dreadful anticipation. As a parent, I can’t fathom how Leora and Clabe felt, not knowing the whereabouts or wellbeing of their sons. I became teary-eyed as the story progressed, and at one point, I considered putting the book down for good. The heartache was overwhelming. Though the sorrow never subsided, I’m glad that I made it to the end.
Joy is the daughter of Doris Wilson Neal and the oldest granddaughter of Leora and Clabe’s. She is the keeper of her family’s history, so through intensive research, she beautifully crafted this book with the help of Robin Grunder. I commend Joy and Robin for such a well written and moving account. And I am still moved by Leora’s strength and courage to greet each new day for decades later despite the magnitude of loss she endured. I highly recommend this book because it profoundly touches on love, family, resilience, faith, loss, and the desire to move forward.
I pulled this information from Joy’s blog, and I encourage you to visit her, allowing yourself to be swept up into the rich history that she shares.
Leora’s Letters: The Story of Love and Loss for an Iowa Family During World War II tells the story of the five Wilson brothers who are remembered on the Dallas County Freedom Rock® at Minburn, Iowa. Leora was their mother–Joy’s delightful grandmother.
Navymen Donald and Delbert Wilson. Pilots Dale, Danny, and Junior Wilson.
Joy the photobomber, so this was the day of the dedication, October 2019.
Joy has written many books on her family history, and they are available from Amazon.com in paperback, hardback, and ebook. Leora’s Dexter Stories and Leora’s Early Years are also in audio form, with “virtual voice.” I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
As always, thank you for stopping by, and I hope you’ll click on the image above to receive your copy of this most touching book. And please visit Joy if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her, yet. ❤️
Can you believe that I’ve never written a limerick? Well, I felt inspired and had fun with these attempts. Some are witty, but a few are more serious. So, I hope you enjoy, and if I made you laugh or others resonated, let me know in the comments below. And remember, these are attempts, so go easy on me! 😃❤️
A teen Copper. He’s now a senior.
Copper
There once was a dog named Copper Who sported a nice set of choppers. He’d wiggle for treats. His favorite were meats. He’d be the best eager shopper!
Clouds
The clouds hang gloomy and gray Not making for a very fine day. But joy lives in hearts. Takes one thought to start invoking a warm, glowing ray!
Doe
There once was a beautiful doe. She didn’t know which way to go. Her hills were so dry, She wanted to cry, Still, some say change isn’t so!
Mallards
Mallards relax on the water Unaware of the human spotter. They find their mate, A temporary date, Then succumb to the steadfast stalker!
African Gray
The African Gray talks up a storm. His conversing is part of his norm. He’ll say “Good morning!” Flap his wings for soaring. He mimics and loves to perform!
Sam and Pam
She lives in a web and her name is Sam. She loves her twin sister whose name is Pam. Their conduct is friendly. They spin their silk gently. But they keep to their own, so scram!
She’s Smart
She’s smart but lacks self-confidence. She builds many walls and a fence. Prefers to stay home, Would rather not roam, Her way of thinking doesn’t make sense.
Women
Women’s bodies are a topic. Some thoughts are myopic. It is their choice. They have a voice. Their value is not microscopic!
Diagnosis
The diagnosis came September. Sad news I will remember. I had to adjust. Accepting, a must, Though pain like a burning ember!
Young Lab
There once was a friendly, young lab With energy delightfully fab. He loved belly rubs. Hated baths in the tub. He gave big, toothy smiles, never sad!
Bloom
Flowers delight in vivid bloom To adore through the month of June. Their colors so brilliant, Grown with resilience, Brings sneezes and a feeling of doom!
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author & Poet 