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 ❤️
My hubby and I recently visited our favorite park to hang out with the redwoods. As always, a poem was to be born, but this time, two…I’m sharing a few photos along with the poems that I hope you enjoy and maybe even relate to. Does one speak to you more deeply than the other? I’d love to hear your thoughts…
Magic
We needed magic today, an elixir for our spirits, so our favorite park sent gentle whispers on the autumn breeze as we listened with intent. Just a short drive on long stretches and some winding like an S. We slowly enter into this sanctuary, another universe.
The enchantment of redwoods whirls around us, a balm for our hearts and minds.
We stroll along the glistening creek, observing the brilliant blue from sun’s reflection.
The majesty of the tall giants embraces us – a moment, a place, an experience good for the soul.
Their Gift
Do the redwoods feel sorrow and elation?
Can they sense the heaviness in our hearts as we wander through the grove?
We may never know the answer, but being in their presence deters thoughts that shouldn’t be let loose.
Their majestic aura, a protective embrace, welcomed as we inhale their delicate fragrance of earthy undertones.
I feel the beat of my heart slowing – a calm flowing through my veins. He experiences the same.
Fingers entwined, we stroll among the tall giants, a family connected through deep roots, and we offer our sincerest gratitude for their selfless gift.
I hope you’re doing well. Our family has been spending as much time as possible with my father-in-law who is nearing the end of his life. He is on hospice, living in a lovely facility with the best care. It has been difficult to witness his body failing, but the silver lining is that spending more time with him has been a gift – these moments have given us room to prepare for the inevitable. When he is lucid on occasion, the gift is even greater.
Writing poetry during my break has been soothing. This surreal experience has been emotional for all of us, but if it inspires me to write, my husband feels it’s a beautiful thing. I was motivated to try a Haibun for the first time after reading D.L. Finn’s gorgeous poetry book, Deep in the Forest Where Poetry Blooms. I loved her collection and will share a review and a couple others in the next few weeks.
This piece may not qualify as a Haibun, but it’s a beginning…
The Last Days
The outdoor temperature feels like a summer day in August though ghosts and goblins lurk around the bend. The orange ball shines brilliantly lighting up the clear blue sky. But inside his room, death awaits in the corners – a dreary atmosphere until we turn on lights to uplift our spirits. Classical music drifts out the windows, swirling around the trees and gardens still bursting with reds and oranges. Photos of family and friends, and ball caps from favorite sports teams embellish the bare white walls.
He lies in bed each day, body frail. A vision we hope will fade over time. A vision contrasting to the man who hiked mountains. The small clock ticking on the bedside table and the calendar hanging on the wall irrelevant. His words, an untranslatable language. His appetite, diminished, but it’s time for breakfast, so we pull the lids from each tub. He slightly opens his mouth like a mama bird feeds her chick, and we gently hold the spoon so he can take in tiny bites of pureed eggs and oatmeal. The tubs still look full, but so is his stomach. Sleep calls him. His chest slowly moves up and down with soft breaths. We stretch out this moment, then we lay a kiss on his forehead, tell him that we love him and that we’ll see him later. We steal one more glance at Dad, then we slowly walk out the door with tears struggling for freedom.
a routine until he slowly draws his last breath preparing our hearts
**A Haibun is a combination of prose and haiku, and usually includes autobiography, diary, essay, prose poem, short story, or travel journal.
It’s time for me to focus on some things in my personal life, which means a little break from blogging. I’d like to say I’ll be sipping coffee again with hubby in the mountains, but that’s not the case. When life pulls with a firm grip, we get the message.I’m not sure how long this break will last, maybe a week, maybe more. But until I see you again…
Take good care. Keep an open mind, and try to find joy even in tough times. And thank you for spending time in my corner of blogland.
I am delighted to feature Balroop Singh’s latest release, Fusion: Poems of Life. This beautiful collection of poetry is about enduring the struggles, reveling in the joys, and knowing that one can’t exist without the other. If you haven’t met Balroop, I suggest you visit her beautiful site, Emotional Shadows.
To purchase, please click on image.
BOOK BLURB:
Fusion is the elixir of life. We seek it in every aspect of the cosmos. The magic of fusion manifests itself in the colors of dawn and dusk, in the melodies of nature, in the singing of birds, in the miniscule moments of joy, inspiring us to live in harmony with each other despite the edges that threaten to swallow us.
The poems in this collection are an amalgamation of harmonies and edges that bind us firmly. We have to wade into murky waters to measure the depth. We have to risk the heights to know our worth. Slippery snow makes us learn how to create footholds. Some songs of life dilute in the hourglass of time to erase the shadows – dark or light, all the colors play an equal role to create a fusion.
MY REVIEW:
Fusion by Balroop Singh is truly medicine for the soul. I’ve read several books by this author, and she never disappoints with her excellent writing. This book is a lovely poetry collection consisting of over eighty poems broken into three parts: Harmonies, Visceral Vibes, and Edges. I enjoyed reading the poems over a few evenings. Singh implores us to embrace the harmonies in spite of the edges that attempt to knock us down. These edges can build up clutter in our minds, but she expresses how harmonies provide the magic to soften them. I suggest you read slowly to absorb her profound messages, stunning imagery, and creativity that stirs up an array of emotions. I have too many favorite poems to list, so I’ll highlight a few…
The first poem, “Colors of Life” is a great beginning because of the inspiration it offers: “Ashen and gray may jolt us/but life keeps its smile/if we let the clouds pass/And revel in starry delight.”
While reading “Hugs” I am reminded how special an embrace is, and how this simple, yet comforting gesture was stolen from us during the lockdown of the pandemic. Who would’ve imagined?
Singh’s adoration for nature resonates as I love spending time in the outdoors, especially in the mountains with only a tent to call home. These lines from “Together” evoke memories of the tranquil and adventurous times on the trail with my husband: “A power that we discovered/In the mountains/A power that enchanted us/Lost in the wilderness/But blessed to be together.” And I could almost hear ‘the pine tree twig nudge the other’ in “Unknown Ties.”
In this fast-paced world filled with chaos, the whimsical imaginings in “Bliss of Solitude” bring a smile: “To fly on the silvery clouds to touch the horizon/To soak in the glory of gossamer rain drops/To sing with the wondrous wind that frees my spirit.”
Her words paint pictures that are simply exquisite, such as in verses from “Just Pause.”
I stepped out on my patio I was amazed To see that the sun had descended On earth!
It happened to get stuck In the pine tree That turned golden, Wrapped in bright yellow.
I will remember this gorgeous image when I observe the miracle of another sunset.
Singh prompts us in “When” with profound questions that we’ve all contemplated: “When will the sun paint the sky with colors of kindness?”
Even though Singh’s poetry is personal, many of the poems ring true with my experiences and ideas. I highly recommend this lovely collection for those who enjoy beautiful poetry, and who might also need medicine for the soul. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
MEET THE AUTHOR:
A former teacher and an educator, a passionate reader, a published writer, I have always lived through my heart. My students have been my true inspiration and I have learnt many lessons of life while teaching them and interacting with them through discussions. Youngsters are like a breath of fresh air and you can speak your mind and heart spontaneously in their company. Their idealism and innocence always gave a new hope to me, strengthening my belief that our future is in safe hands.
I am a great nature lover, I love to watch birds flying home. The sunsets allure me with their varied hues that they lend to the sky. I can spend endless hours listening to the rustling leaves and the sound of waterfalls. The moonlight streaming through my garden, the flowers, the meadows, the butterflies cast a spell on me. Like the busy modern people, competing with each other at a breathtaking speed, I have also spent the best part of my life in pursuing all those chores and am so glad to have all the time for myself now.
I have all those blessings that a person can crave for. Happily married for 40+ years, I have four lovely grandchildren. I love to travel, read good books and poetry. My friends have always called me optimistic though I have my share of murky times. I draw my inspiration from people, which has become a habit now, may be because I have spent a lot of time in the company of students and parents whose observations helped my imaginative aspect. A published poet and author, I’ve written six poetry books and three non-fiction – self-help books. Visit my Amazon author page: goo.gl/X1NEFf
This blog is all about people, their emotions, how emotions mould personalities and what is our role in all this.I am here to share my thoughts and experiences in my pursuit of happiness.
Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you’ll leave with a copyof Fusion: Poems of Life!
Stage IV lung cancer echoed in her mind – her kind doctor said last week with a heavy sigh. She smoked since her teens, enjoying each inhale, so this grave news wasn’t a surprise. But she was young, fifty-nine, with so much love to give. Yet, she was elated with the special news her son and daughter-in-law shared today. A grandma for the first time. How lovely. But with the chilly rainfall came her last breath, and the precious baby girl would arrive later when the leaves gently create a blanket of gold. There will be two lives to celebrate.
My latest collection of poetry – I prompt you to reminisce and reflect on your past, present, and future. Through the ups and downs, what matters most is to love and live ever so gently. Please click on the link to purchase your copy. Thank you to those who have bought a copy and who have shared wonderful reviews. My heart is full of gratitude.💙🩵💙
Sally at Smorgasbord Blog Magazine is always so kind and generous to support authors in promoting their books, and I’m thrilled that she featured my latest, Ever So Gently. If you haven’t met Sally, please visit her site. She is a pillar in this wonderful community. Here’s what Smorgasbord Blog Magazine is all aboutin Sally’s words:
“Smorgasbord Blog Magazine was the follow on to a physical newsletter that I published every month for two years, on subscription to listeners to my radio show.. I expanded the original format which was mainly health articles, to including book marketing, music, humour, lifestyle, cookery and food and short stories. My aim was to create a watering hole that provided a wide number of topics to chat about….This has now developed further to provide a platform for other authors to share their work. This year the blog celebrates twelve years, ten of them as Smorgasbord Blog Magazine.”
In this series authors were invited to share an excerpt of 500 words from any of their published books .
Submissions are now closed for this series but there will be another in early 2024.. My thanks to all who have participated.
Today I am sharing a poem by Lauren Scott…from her recent releaseEver So Gently: A Collection of Poems.
About the collection
In Ever So Gently, Lauren Scott shares her strong link to nature, taking the reader on a tranquil walk through a redwood grove. You’ll find an invitation to sit quietly on a patio, captivated by the simple beauty of a hummingbird. She’ll entice you to revel on the shore of a freshwater lake, mesmerized by its stunning beauty.
Scott shares how love has shaped her life. From that first delicious kiss to celebrating decades of marriage through a love that deepens over time. How her heart melted when she became a mom, then ached when her children started their adult lives across country. And how her adorable canine companions found their way into her heart.
Scott underscores how life presents mysteries we struggle to solve. We can’t help but ponder the deeper meaning of a simple vision. She prompts you to reminisce and reflect on your past, present, and future. Through the ups and downs, what matters most is to love and live ever so gently.
Book trailer created by Robbie Cheadle with my photos.
One of the poems from the collection in honour of Lauren’s father-in-law:
She Listens
He cares for his father whose body tires, pain raging at cyclone force from one hundred years of living a lifetime. Yes, one hundred years! We were thrilled to celebrate this monumental milestone, but our emotions undulate – who wishes to watch a loved one suffer?
Another week of work comes to an end. With glass of wine in hand, we exhale on the patio. Then the sun says, “Good night, my dear friends,” as he descends, making room for the moon.
And when the moon appears, Oh, my! She takes our breath away! Bright and bold as if she senses we could use light in our souls. She pays attention, but most importantly, she listens. And though the stars act a bit bashful, they eavesdrop, and we are fine that they do.
The moon and stars hear us, just an ordinary couple enjoying a Friday evening but with heavy hearts. Their absolute attention, imagine this, out of all eyes gazing at the brilliant sky – we know the moon’s lustrous presence is for us alone.
Then we rise from our seats and head into the house, feeling relaxed from the wine’s fluidity, and appreciative that our troubles have been received.
Scott’s poetry celebrates memories and moments in her latest collection – ‘Ever So Gently.’ Her connection with the surroundings blends into the wisdom of nature that unfolds through stunning imagery like: “hear the rustle of a skittering squirrel,” “petals of velvet invite raindrops to bask in their peach enchantment,” and “breeze carries burdens down rivers.”
From the birds that ‘flit and flutter’ to build their nest to the owl who proclaims his presence with his ‘high-pitched toots’ and the hummingbirds that flutter around the “bright pink petals” – all find a place of honor in this book to delight your moods. Lauren’s realism captivates and appeals to all the senses. Some of her poems express profound love that we cherish and yearn for – she tells you how valuable that love has been in her life.
From ‘The Peach Rose’ to ‘Firestorm’ and not to forget ‘I Was Adopted,’ her poetry slides most naturally on the wide canvas of creativity. However, poems that speak of love, of growing up and bonding are the ones that touched my heart. Who can ever forget ‘The Old Afghan,’ which is most relatable!
I haven’t read a more beautiful description of sunset – “The sky explodes in tangerines, salmons, canary yellows – brighter with every second. It’s as though a painter swished her brush back and forth…” Some more examples of Scott’s brilliant style: “And water hasnt caressed the hills The earth, parched like Chile’s Atacama.” “Silk-thread drizzles dusted rooftops and parched hills.” “How he tenderly tiptoed through the syllables.”(I could feel the poignancy of the emotion)
A combination of free verse and syllabic poetry like haiku, tanka, etheree, shadorma etc. this is a lovely collection of poetry. Read it slowly to savor each emotion.
Lauren Scott is a poet and writer of short stories, both fiction and reflections of her life. She enjoys small-town living in Northern California with her husband, Matthew, and their lab, Copper; they have two grown children.
She has authored two collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013) and Finding a Balance (2015). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee, and her latest book is a poetry collection, Ever So Gently, that was released in July 2023. Her poetry has been published on Spillwords Press, and she was voted author of the Month for May 2023. Lauren is a contributing author in the anthologies, Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships (2022) and This is How We Grow (2023).
She has recently finished her first children’s book and is working with her illustrator, planning to publish it in early 2024. Her writing inspiration comes from love of family, spending time in the great outdoors, and finding joy in the simple things.
Thank you for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.. Sally.
Thanks again, Sally, and thanks to you who have purchased my book and who have written wonderful reviews. The happy dance continues and my heart is full of gratitude. ❤️❤️
My latest collection of poetry – I prompt you to reminisce and reflect on your past, present, and future. Through the ups and downs, what matters most is to love and live ever so gently. Please click on the link to purchase your copy. Thank you to those who have bought a copy and who have shared wonderful reviews. My heart is full of gratitude.💙🩵💙
Thank you for visiting today. Have a wonderful day and week ahead! ❤️
Lately, my days are spent ‘over the moon’ because of the incredible reviews coming in for my book, Ever So Gently. Cindy at Unique Times shared her lovely review of my book, and once you read it, you’ll know whyI love that moon!
Cindy is a wonderful friend in this community. She is generous, funny, kind, uplifting, and real. She also recently published her debut book, Re-Create & Celebrate: 7 Steps To Turn Your Dreams Into Realitythat can be purchased here. “Through her transformational techniques and practices, which she has gained from decades of experience in the field of life coaching, she provides a teaching memoir and workbook containing the tools to build a blueprint to a life of fulfillment, inner peace and happiness.” Check out the 5-star reviews on Amazon where you’ll also find mine, and if you don’t already have Cindy’s book sitting on your coffee table, get your copy now!
And now for Cindy’s awesome review of Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poems:
Ever So Gently is A Collection of Poems by author, Lauren Scott, who walks us through her day with the first encounter of morning light “Ever So Gently” to start our day. I’m absolutely delighted to share her latest book with you and share some of my favorite poems from her wonderful new book.
If you haven’t met Lauren yet, you’re in for a treat. Lauren lights up our blogging world in the most supportive of ways with her comments and support of other writers. I am always inspired by how much she is able to do working, caring for her FIL, children, husband and writing reviews.
Her book is divided into 3 segments to set the tone and is an entree into all of the flavors of her writing which is beautiful, sometimes whimsical, inspiring, and always insightful.
~ The Wisdom of Nature takes you on a journey of her daily encounters with the great outdoors.
~ The Noise, The Laughter, The Chaos, The Loved Ones represents all of characters in her life that are so endearing to her.
~ Lost In Thought is an inner journey of her insights, questions and joy through her observations.
Each transports you into her inner world of reflection that give her life meaning and richness.
In her first section you can feel her words float through the winds by her well articulated choice of words which beacon you to sit and take in the horizon or get up close and personal to the hummer and ponder questions as you bask in the moment.
She starts off with a poignant poem to give you a glimmer into her mornings with her beloved at her side to share it with. You can almost feel the respite of their lovely setting in their Marin home in a gentle tranquil setting with their dog, Copper, underfoot.
When we stroll among the redwood trees, our steps slow down, we are in good company. There is no reason to rush and we won’t hesitate to hug them with open arms, because why not? They deserve reverence for their generosity. In their company, fine fibers of peace flow through our hearts and souls, centering us. Any worries burdening our minds fall to the earth to be walked upon and buried. We listen as the leaves whisper in the breeze, Be filled with joy and do not fret, for their is no time for that nonsense.
Her words are a journey much like the ones we are all on but unique to her personal insights, experience and family.
Lauren’s love of connection with nature and people ring through on every page paying homage to each one that has touched her heart in a most powerful and profound way. Her poems epitomize the sacred time with family and friends.
She knows loss and shares that in many of her poems but the one that shines through to me the most is the one about her mom who is near and dear to her heart.
Mom’s Plea
I remember our conversation…. the effort it took to calm my emotions, phone glued to my ear like a natural extension. Days later Mom asked Dad, “When will this be over?” He could be gentle or travel the path of honesty. I don’t know the words he pulled from a seventy-year love…. how he tenderly tiptoed through the syllables, since his heart was shattering into millions of tiny fragments. Her time was close. Our awareness vigilant. Each day, another breath held until the hands of time would pause. Then as quickly as a gray sky opens on a winter day, she had ascended. Memories of her loving spirit followed in the years to come. But not one day passes withouther gracing our thoughts. Not one day slips by without her knowing our lives are changed forever.
She captures the essence of the moment with her poetic charm and style, leaving you able to ponder your thoughts.
This is Scott’s 4th book that impresses upon the reader just how special and sacred each day is.
In the lost in thought she explores a range of emotions which beg for answers and an invitation to explore your inner world. I loved her poem in this segment,
Maybe
When you sit by the window, evading life’s demands watching hummingbirds flit about, do you wonder if our existence is the only breathing form? Who’s to assume we’re alone with stars millions of miles away glistening in the night? Maybe other beings wonder if they are simply a tiny atom or molecule floating in the larger picture. Maybe we’re just a raindrop in someone else’s universe.
Each word is peppered with her love and memory of her parents, her soulmate, Matt, whom every moment is one of wonderment and joy, her children and the love they share. A delightful read with your morning Coffee or tea or sitting in your garden for an afternoon pick me up. ~Cindy at Unique Times
If you don’t also have this collection sitting on your coffee table, click on the image to purchase. 💚
I can’t thank you enough, Cindy! Just knowing your takeaways from my book are rewarding, and then your amazing review is the icing on the cake. And thanks to everyone who has bought my book and shared their wonderful reviews! 🙏🏻
My wish for you after reading this poetry collection is that you’ll discover a few poems that evoke a special memory or act as a reminder that you are not alone in living with your emotions. Maybe you’ll get a good laugh or experience an ‘aha’ moment. Above all, when you turn the last page, may you discover the reward of living ever so gently. 🩵
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author & Poet 
