Book Promotion/Review -Fusion: Poems of Life by Balroop Singh

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.

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.

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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.

Click on the image to purchase
your copy!

Thank you to those who have purchased your copy of Ever So Gently,
and who have shared beautiful reviews. My heart is full of gratitude. 💙🩵

An Autumn to Remember

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.

© Lauren Scott

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!
~Lauren ❤️❤️

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.
Photo: our yard a few seasons ago

Sally at Smorgasbord Blog Magazine features Ever So Gently!

Dear Friends,

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 about in 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 release Ever 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.

©Lauren Scott

One of the reviews for the collection:

Balroop Singh 5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and relatable  Reviewed in the United States

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.

Head over to buy the collection: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Also by Lauren Scott

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Website/Blog: Baydreamer – Facebook: Lauren Scott Author

About Lauren Scott

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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

October’s Miracle

The drought was relentless. Then October arrived and so did the rain, feeling like a miracle! And this poem was born…

I forgot how the sound of rain could be soothing
like the calming rhythm of classical music.

The thirst for relief had felt longer than eternity,
for the soil exhaled and my lantana sang “Hallelujah!”


Silk-thread drizzles dusted rooftops and parched hills
with the flowing grace of an unhurried waterfall.


The fascination of puddles slipped my mind,
the childlike sense of play from a hop and a splash.


And who would think the sight of cocoa-brown mud
could be so entertaining in all its messiness!


Would you believe it if I said the flowers smiled at me?
And their leaves offered a gentle wave?

Observing from my slightly opened window,
I caught a grateful sigh from the soaked earth,
and I enjoyed listening to the roots laugh in delight.


**A poem from my book, Ever So Gently.**

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.
Photo: My daughter, Stephanie

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! ❤️

Cindy at Unique Times Reviews Ever So Gently

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 why I love that moon!

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
    without her 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. 💚

    Happy Friday! Today is the last day to vote!

    As I stated in my previous post, I am honored that my poem “Chilling Embrace” is nominated, and today is the last day to vote for Publication of the Month at Spillwords Press. I hope you’ll support me!

    Here is the link: https://spillwords.com/vote/ and you’ll have to log in to vote.

    Chilling Embrace

    I have been embraced
    by the chilling presence
    of loneliness.
    I have wondered
    where the niche
    designed for me
    exists in this world
    in which my breaths
    originate.
    I have waited
    for the glow
    to emerge from
    behind the shadows.

    But when I take
    that wise step
    into the splendor
    of nature,
    listen to the trees
    whisper their sagacity,
    feel the flowing rivers
    move my pain,
    creating vast distance
    between it and me,
    I have been revived
    by the compassion
    that nature offers
    so unselfishly.

    © Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.
    Poem photo & Logo: Spillwords Press

    Nomination from Spillwords Press!

    Dear Family and Friends,

    I am excited to share that my poem “Chilling Embrace” which was recently published at Spillwords Press has been nominated for Publication of the Month. The email that brightened my day is below:

    Dear writers,

    We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you! Your exceptional pieces have been nominated due to popular demand for Publication of The Month of September.

    We also encourage you to share this link with your family, friends, and supporters, as their votes can make all the difference.

    The winning publication will be prominently featured on the Spillwords.com sidebar throughout the entire month of October, gaining well-deserved recognition from our global audience.

    HERE ARE THE NOMINEES:

    Fever by Suman Pokhrel
    The Falling Man by Stephen Kingsnorth
    Kings of The Water by Tim Barlow
    Chilling Embrace by Lauren Scott
    Love Lane by Simona Prilogan
    Two Black Cats by Tamara Lindsay
    Ruth by James Walmsley
    True by Ivor Steven
    You’re No Good For Me by Sheila Henry
    Rubble Women by David Milner
    Harvest by Elaine Nadal
    Unobtainable by S.J. Walker
    Two Weeks Today by Elizabeth Ricketson
    Endless Scale by Vasile Trif

    To all the nominees, good luck! Your contributions have enriched our platform, and we deeply appreciate your excellent collaboration and participation.

    Warm regards,

    Editing Team | Editing Department
    editor@spillwords.com

    Chilling Embrace

    I have been embraced
    by the chilling presence
    of loneliness.
    I have wondered
    where the niche
    designed for me
    exists in this world
    in which my breaths
    originate.
    I have waited
    for the glow
    to emerge from
    behind the shadows.

    But when I take
    that wise step
    into the splendor
    of nature,
    listen to the trees
    whisper their sagacity,
    feel the flowing rivers
    move my pain,
    creating vast distance
    between it and me,
    I have been revived
    by the compassion
    that nature offers
    so unselfishly.

    © Lauren Scott
    Photos: Spillwords Press

    A Big Thank You to Dagmara K. and her team for publishing my poem and for this wonderful nomination!

    ** Please remember that you’ll need to log into Spillwords to vote, and voting is happening now and will end on Friday, September 29th.
    Thanks so much for your kind support! ❤️🙏🏻

    Photo by alleksana on Pexels.com

    © Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.

    Book review of In the Shadow of Rainbows by Selma Martin!

    Dear Friends,

    I introduced my wonderful friend, Selma Martin, in my prior post here, and spotlighted her debut poetry book. Today I am sharing my 5-star review. If you don’t have your copy in hand yet, I recommend you click on the link below to order yours!

    And now for my review:

    When I immersed myself into Selma Martin’s debut poetry book, I fell into a familiar place like I was relaxing on the sandy shore of the lake that my husband and I frequent each summer, absorbing the music and tranquility of nature. The essence of her poems drew me in, casting me under a spell, entranced by her lyrical words. I read this collection over a few evenings, savoring the experience like a sinfully delicious dessert, and rereading each poem. Selma’s lovely language portrays stunning imagery, beautifully expressing personal experiences. Shadows and rainbows find themselves sprinkled throughout, and the writing is superb with its soothing flow, cadence, and rhyme.

    Selma’s special wish is for you to find your poem. A poem that resonates, the soft message flowing around in your heart and mind, embracing you like a welcomed hug. But as I read each beautiful piece then with each turn of a page, a sigh escaped, and I realized that finding one poem was impractical because there were so many that rang true with my experiences and emotions.

    In “Extra” I am reminded of how precious it is to wake up to a new dawn:

    To put the squanderer to rest
    call forth the Sower of hope
    and from within, bring out your best.

    I revel in spending time outdoors, and Selma’s writing in “You Know Her” is brilliant:

    Like clockwork, she steals over the horizon
    and for a moment, hides between the blinds
    Slowly she sluices me with her aura
    And on my eyelashes, perches twined.

    Her enchanting verses in “That Sea” captivate me:

    Then you dwarf me with your magnificence
    I smile, so fond of your temerity
    But you gobble up my words the moment they’re spoken
    and cunningly, you bid me close to wet my skirt.

    “Nature’s Tender Doings” is absolutely delightful, and in “Poetry” – a most endearing poem, I am thoroughly entertained and charmed by the bees, squirrels, and birds. Changing subjects dramatically, I’d be lying if I said I never thought of death. With adult children and our 35th anniversary just around the corner, time passes quicker than I can flip the calendar page each month. But I don’t fear death; I’m just not ready for it, and Selma’s poem “When Death Comes” makes me pause…

    When death comes
    I don’t want to look back
    lovelorn, empty, frightened
    – Oh, no!
    When death comes
    I want to be led into eternity
    curious, full of joy
    knowing the world I leave
    is better for the love I gave.

    I definitely want the same, and I will remember this poignant reminder about love being the best gift of all.  

    The empowering and unified motivation in “Enough” gives me goosebumps:

    Forget tall fences. You want to feel
    the sun on your face, the touch
    of the wind, the melody of their
    spoken language, of which only the
    smile you understand. Together we
    can create a life that ebbs and flows
    like the tide that never competes or
    berates the other for its ways. 

    I could continue to enrich you with stunning samples of Selma’s exquisite poetry. But if I have to choose one poem that stirs emotions, it will be “Kindred” because this poem transports me back in time when my parents were alive, to the big family gatherings with them, my husband and children, and my sisters and their families. Moments filled with love, chatter, and laughter. Memories that slide into my mind now and then, warming my heart once again.

    A verse from this touching poem:

    For the rest of my days,

    when December comes slip sliding
    humble love memories I trace – decidedly December.
    Daddy brought us white Christmases
    to revel and boast,
    and Mommy brought us Yuletide joy to last forever.

    Truthfully, Selma’s entire collection is a gift that speaks to me in the most elegant and personal way. I highly recommend this beautiful collection for all poetry lovers who wish to be reminded of  the miracles of life. 

    I hope you enjoyed my review!

    Thanks so much for visiting today! ❤️❤️❤️

    © Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.