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 ❤️
Matt and I are flying out tomorrow to visit our son, so I’ll be offline until sometime next week. Visiting our daughter and son is by far the best vacation. I don’t like missing posts, but there are times like this that it’s unavoidable. Please know that I appreciate you and your wonderful support throughout my Copper journey, and blogging journey, in general. WordPress tells me it’s been 15 years! But that’ll be another post! 🙂 Anyway, stay safe, and keep your creativity flowing. I’ve turned off comments, but I’ll see you next week!
I thought it would be nice to leave you with a few calming visuals…
I hope you enjoyed. Inhale, exhale, and be well! ❤️
Click on my daughter’s image to order your copy! 🧡
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
I was excited to find Abbie’s wonderful review about King Copper. Hers is another heart touched by the love Copper gave to his family, and the love we gave him in return. I’m humbled and so grateful for the positive feedback rolling in about this very special book. Thanks so much, Abbie! ❤️
Abbie shared my book blurb from Amazon and then included her thoughts, so here is a peek into her review:
“If the above doesn’t make you want to read this book, I don’t know what will. This was how Copper’s story began, and it hooked me right away.
I’ve always loved dogs. When I was growing up, my family had a few. But after being my late husband’s caregiver for six years, I’m not ready to care for another living thing. Instead, I enjoy living vicariously through other people who have dogs. This book helped me do just that.“
To read the rest of Abbie’s beautiful and touching review, please click on the link below that will carry you over to her lovely blog.
A few years ago,I thoroughly enjoyed reading Abbie’s book, Why Grandma Doesn’t Know Me. Below is my 5-star review:
Why Grandma Doesn’t Know Me is the first book by Abbie Johnson Taylor that I have read, and I was thoroughly impressed with her writing. Taylor tells the story about a close-knit family – mom, dad, older and younger daughter, and the mom’s mother who is in a facility suffering with dementia. The grandmother who recalls events from years ago but whose short-term memory fails, shares a secret from the past with the older daughter without realizing it could tear the family apart. I felt compassion for the grandma because one of my family members passed from dementia.
The chapters are written from the perspective of the family members: Daryl, Marti, Natalie, and Sarah, along with compelling supporting characters, and the story smoothly progresses from beginning to end. Taylor prompts the reader to question how this unsettling news would be received and handled in his or her own family. The story is engaging and well-written with surprising twists and turns. I found the characters to be authentic for their roles and ages, and the dialogue to be natural.
The reader will experience a myriad of emotions as the plot unfolds, and there is a lesson to be learned after the turning of the last page. Highly recommended for fiction readers and for those who enjoy stories with a powerful message. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
But she has a new book out that was released in March, and my paperback is waiting to be read!
Thank you for visiting! I wish you all a fabulous day, and I’ve turned off comments here, so please visit Abbie’s beautiful site. It would be lovely if you ‘liked’ her post or took the time to leave a kind comment. Thanks again, Abbie, for your kindness! I appreciate it very much! ❤️
Click on my daughter’s image to order your copy! 🧡
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
I’m thrilled to share with you a new novel, Beyond the Fetters, written by my friend, Balroop Singh.I’ve read Balroop’s beautiful poetry collections that are always evocative, deeply touching the heart. Then I was excited to hear that she has a new novel coming out.
Balroop’s words:
“This is an ambitious project, dear to my heart as I’ve been working on it for almost seven years.”
So, I invite you to read what the buzz is all about:
The Inspiration:
Fetters are not just chains or manacles used to restrain a prisoner.
Fetters is a metaphor with wider and profound implications. They symbolize the emotional and mental restraints imposed by society. They refer to the unwritten rules that bind the spirit of people, that clip the wings of girls in their infancy, and they grow up with oppressive traditions and antiquated systems. They are stronger than physical fetters, as there is no key to open them. So, breaking these shackles is impossible.
The inspiration to rebel against so-called traditions lies at the foundation of this story. The journey of my characters was not easy, but their resolve to break free could never be weakened as they were ready to jump into the cauldron of embers. Physical wounds couldn’t scare them, lack of support didn’t shake their determination, and resistance couldn’t weaken their willpower.
Book Blurb:
Some babies are born with invisible fetters. They may strut about in their homes with wishes of flying high, but their wings never grow, and if they do, they are clipped by the diktats of traditions. Such stories remain within the hearts of girls, as their lips are sealed by cultural compulsions.
Earthy is one such girl, but her determination to break free could never be vanquished. She yearns to grow up again, to feel the sunshine that filters through the arms of her parents, to soak in the showers of harmony, to giggle with abandon and swirl with her dreams.
The sudden, untimely demise of her father rips her whole world apart, and the little joys of childhood vanish. From emotional deluge to resilience and detachment, she treads the paths of her life, struggling to rise above the average.
Dolly’s freedom takes her away from her family, and her choices boomerang. Imperceptible fetters follow her in the garb of love that she chooses. Should we pay attention to Grandma’s wise words – “We are tied to our destiny?” ‘Beyond the Fetters’ explores the possibilities of girls looking beyond their so-called destiny.
Book Information:
Title: Beyond the Fetters Author: Balroop Singh Genre: Fiction Publication date: October 1, 2025 Amazon link: https://tinyurl.com/mu4bzr7v
An Excerpt:
Grandma’s word was the law. Age had not touched this beautiful woman. She was still svelte, walked straight with poise and wielded control of her estate with an exceptional zeal. Her sons tried to emulate her free, traditional spirit and respected her towering presence.
The warning of “not giving her too much” stayed with Earthy all day. She played with her cousins but grandma’s comment hammered at her mind again and again. She quietly munched her evening meal and didn’t ask for more.
At night, she lay beside her mama and asked, “Why did Grandma say that?”
“What did she say?”
“Didn’t you hear when she yelled?” She said, “Don’t give her too much to eat.’”
“She is right. Girls shouldn’t eat too much.”
“But why?” Earthy’s innocent eyes implored for an explanation.
“They grow up faster.”
“Won’t Trod grow up faster? He eats so much.”
“That doesn’t matter. Don’t keep an evil eye on your brother’s food. He is a boy. He has to take up many responsibilities.” Shanti’s wrath was noteworthy.
The conversation ended abruptly each time as Earthy was expected to keep her mouth shut. “Girls don’t talk much,” her grandma often told her.
She looked at the high ceiling of the room for a long time. The carvings transformed into real figures that resonated with her until dreamy cobwebs took her to the land of fairies. She loved this land, where clouds shimmered and trees whispered magical songs, far away from the people who liked to comment on her.
***
Nobody could snub Earthy. The next morning, when she saw Grandma, sitting in the verandah, attached to the kitchen, churning buttermilk in a big earthen vessel, she kissed her good morning and asked the same question – “Ma, why can’t I eat as much as I want?”
Grandma was more than happy to answer it. She stopped churning, looked at Earthy and said, “If you eat all day and grow taller, we’ll have to marry you. So, what is the need to grow up so fast? You have a lot to learn before you go.” Grandma laughed and started moving the strings of the wooden stand that fitted in the vessel.
“Marry? Were you married when you grew tall? Didn’t they ask you about your wishes?”
“Girls don’t have wishes and who cares about them?” Grandma muttered.
Earthy tilted her head quizzically. She didn’t understand the logic. She didn’t know the significance of the word ‘marriage’ at the tender age of eight. Why should she stay half-fed because of this so-called marriage?
About the Author:
Balroop Singh, an educator, a poet and an author always had a passion for writing. She would jot down her reflections on a piece of paper and forget about them till each drawer of her home started overflowing with reminders of her creativity, popping out at will! The world of her imagination has a queer connection with realism. Soaring on the wings of words, she gathers the dreams, and blends them with the melodies of nature. She writes about people, emotions and relationships.
Balroop Singh has always lived through her heart. She is a great nature lover; she loves to watch birds flying home. The sunsets allure her with their varied hues that they lend to the sky. She can spend endless hours listening to the rustling leaves and the sound of waterfalls. The moonlight streaming through her garden, the flowers, the meadows, the butterflies cast a spell on her. She lives in California.
Simply click on the link below to pre-order the kindle version, and the paperback will be available on October 1st.
A Huge Congratulations to Balroop, and Thank you, dear friends, for taking time from your busy schedule to visit my corner of blogland. I hope you’re enticed and will add Balroop’s book to your home library. I can’t wait to hold the paperback in my hands.
Click on my daughter’s image to order your copy! 🧡
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
When Resa reviews a book, she does it with style. She was generous to ask me a few questions about Copper for her post today. The header she created goes straight to my heart. It’s hard to find the right word, so “WOW” is it for now! 🙏🌈
I’m sure most of you know Resa, but if you don’t, please visit her sight to get to know her. She is one of the kindest people I’ve met and a good friend here in blogland. She has an eye for incredible street art that she shares on her blog, and she is a semi-retired costume designer for film and television where she displays her gorgeous gowns on artgowns.com. Here’s a little bit more about Resa in her words:
My first Art Gown “Strawberry Kisses” was to create some beauty in my life after mom died. It was a hit with people, so I continued to make and post more “Art Gowns”. At some early point, I began upcycling, repurposing and in general making the gowns out of any fabric or notions that were not new goods. I was using up anything headed for landfill. The Art Gowns are available to borrow or rent (situation dependent) for Gala’s, photo shoots and film production.
A glimpse into Resa’s touching interview:
I fell in dog love with Copper when I read, Copper Boy (Ever So Gently, also in King Copper)
"His white choppers shine as if they've never caused any commotion.. never mind when he attempted to eat the barbecue!"
Somehow, to me, animal love is proven with those words. I was always asking about him, and one day drew him. It is my first and only animal portrait.
To read the rest of Resa’s beautiful interview, please visit her lovely site! And thanks again, Resa, for your love and support through my King Copper journey! 🧡❤️🤎🌈
Comments are turned off, so I hope you’ll share your thoughts with Resa and me over at her sight. 🙏🌈
Click on my daughter’s image to order your copy! 🧡
Thanks for stopping by, andI wish you a beautiful day! 🧡🤎❤️🌈
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
I feel old and withered like a dying rock rose. Cracks propagate down my stucco exterior like fault lines in the earth. Does an outburst lie on the horizon?
I remember when vibrant pink, like a fuchsia feather boa, would invite strangers in – strangers who became friends.
My mood has a mind of its own. When the sky opens, tears stream down my windows, tattooing me with streaks of dirt.
I’ve been abandoned for years – no one seems to want me. My door – faded and rotted, hanging like a dead tree branch, wouldn’t welcome a rat. Do you know what it feels like to be all alone? To feel worthless?
There was a time when chatter and laughter filled me to the brim, bounced off the walls into Margarita merry, chips and salsa celebrations.
Now, I sit on the corner like a human without a home.
My sign reads:
Will I ever feel alive again? Will I ever feel life again?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We drove by an old restaurant that we miss where the building has remained vacant. So, I became inspired to write a personification poem.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and I wish you a wonderful Wednesday. 💝
Click on my daughter’s image to order your copy! 🧡
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
I’ve received so many amazing reviews for my book, that it’s time to pay it forward. So, this is the first batch of reviews with five more coming later this month. And another shout out to everyone who has offered support in some manner during my King Copper journey. I love you all! 💖
Back to these fabulous books…once you begin reading, you won’t want to put any of these down, even if life tries to intercept, and you know it will! 🙂 Simply click on the author names if you’d like to visit their websites!
Honeysuckle Heat by Michele Lee Sefton is a beautifully crafted love story full of passion. We meet crime writer, Matthew Oliver, and Jacqueline Fortin, a successful Los Angeles Anchorwoman. They have a long history together but parted ways. Suddenly, she’s back in his life, and their chemistry is what anyone would long for. Let me share an example of Sefton’s tantalizing prose:
‘He understood why a fallen leaf would want to lodge itself in her wavy strands. He kissed her on the spot where the leaf had been then let the errant flora fall on the kitchen tile – a concern for another time. His lips confirmed what his eyes suspected. Parched from months of emptiness, they were quenched by a softness that brushed against his soul, like a golden sunrise whispering its way above a lone hill. A soft beginning that turned his doting love for her into a warm and fiery glow.’
Will their intense physical attraction and love for each other be enough this time? Are their goals for the future aligned? I will let you find out for yourself. As the season changes and temperatures begin to cool, cuddle up with this captivating novella when an evening is winding down and your thoughts have taken a back seat. Let Sefton’s poetic prose transport you to another world built with many enticing layers. Highly recommended.
I am familiar with D.L. Finn’s beautiful poetry. So, when I heard she had released a third book in the “Just Her Poetry” series, I bought a copy right away. The dog-eared paperback lies on my desk as I type this review. Finn’s collection spans from earlier published poems to newly released. I followed her journey from the beginning, which is a tribute to nature through a selection of syllabic poetry and lovely photos paired with them. We share the same love of nature and family, along with gratitude playing a significant role in life. Through Finn’s emotional journey, I smiled and also became teary-eyed. Every emotion you can imagine is highlighted throughout this evocative collection. She creates such vivid scenes that I felt as though I had stepped into a specific moment, feeling the sentiments with every bit of energy. There are too many favorites to mention, so here are a few:
“The Forest”
the forest’s sweet song/caresses my weary soul/with healing beauty
“Summer” (first two verses)
When I think of childhood summers, It’s swimming, playing, fishing, and vacations Long nights, as I imagined my next adventure Finally, the crickets’ song lulled me into happy dreams.
My old house was heavy with heat Making me wish I could lift the roof to cool Square metal fans hummed in every room, Everyone, except my grandparents, wore shorts and tank tops.
“Suicide Song” caught me off guard. I learned a little bit more about D.L. Finn. My heart ached, but the poem also speaks about second chances. A poignant and powerful piece of writing. I highly recommend this poetic compilation for everyone who appreciates poetry that touches on real life.
A Noble Bargain is the second book I have read by Jan Sikes. She has a natural skill of pulling readers into her stories, making them feel like part of the character line up. I enjoyed A Beggar’s Bargain so much that I could not pass up the second book. In no time, I fell in love with Oliver Quinn and Rose Blaine. The year is 1948 in a rural Arkansas town. Times are simpler, but hard work is part of the landscape.
Oliver comes from a loving family who does not think twice about helping others in need. He is the kind of son every parent dreams of. His father passed away and he misses him dearly, but he adores his mother who has a heart of gold. Oliver also holds in his heart an American dream, and he will persevere to make it come true. His family is one I would love to meet. Rose and her two brothers live in a completely opposite world riddled with domestic abuse. After the tragic loss of their mother, the siblings have suffered under the violent fist of their alcoholic father. I had no trouble disliking their father, to put it mildly. Sadly, an escape had never presented itself, but Rose is determined to find a way.
One night, Oliver and Rose meet by chance, which is the beginning of their story. I enjoyed rooting for this kind young man to change Rose’s life for the better. I wanted Rose and her brothers to find a way out of the terror they had been living in. But to avoid spoiler alerts, I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a compelling story that spotlights the good in people and the benefit of resilience.
Cade’s Quest begins the first in a series about The McIntyre’s and truly conveys the special connection of family. Readers are transported to the old west in the late 1800s. Four years prior, Cade and his siblings underwent a horrific event when their parents were murdered. And yet, even this amount of time could not erase the horror Cade experienced of “staring into their mother’s face frozen in death and seeing a fly on her cheek.” I felt his agony through the riveting words on the page. Reading about the tragedy was heartbreaking, but what tore at my heart even more were the town “do-gooders” deciding where each child would go. Imagine what it would feel like being young and ripped away from your sisters and brothers after losing your parents in a horrifying crime. Making sense of the heinous act alone for a young child would seem impossible. Imagine how alone and frightened you would feel. Now as an adult, Cade’s mind is set. He needs to find his siblings, but he doesn’t know the first place to look.
I love Cade’s demeanor: courageous, kind, and dedicated to those he loves. As he initiates his quest, several obstacles get in his way – one is being accused of a crime he didn’t commit, which forces him to run. Rumors about his brother, Jess, have him wondering what is true or simply gossip. Along his journey, he meets a young Comanche woman, Rain, who cares for her orphaned nephew. She is also on the run from evil. They become each other’s ally, but will their friendship develop into something more beautiful? You will need to dive into Broday’s exciting storytelling to find out! I highly recommend Cade’s Quest for those who enjoy a gripping western drama.
I’m also adding a lovely book that would be perfect for your coffee table. My copy should arrive tomorrow!
Click on my daughter’s image to order your copy! 🧡
Thanks for stopping by, andI hope you‘re leaving with a book or two or four! 😁 Wishing you a beautiful week! 🩷
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
When I opened my email this morning, I was pleasantly surprised to find Thomas’ post where he shares his amazing review of King Copper. More gratitude is what I feel, and I’m thankful to say (respectfully) that the support just keeps coming. Thank you again, Thomas, for reading my collection about Copper, and for taking the time to write such a moving review. 🙏
Our beloved Copper Boy
The Life of a Dog named Copper by Thomas Wikman
Copper, a rescue Chocolate Lab, was picked up from a foster home in March of 2012 by a loving family and in return they received 13 years of unconditional love from Copper, who turned out to be a quite remarkable dog. This touching and beautiful book recounts his life in the form of poetry. What better way to tell the life of a dog, than through poetry. Some of the poems are from Copper’s perspective and some of them are from the author’s perspective. Some of the poems are fun, some speak of love, and some speak of grief. I think that everyone who’s ever owned dogs will recognize themselves in this book. I certainly did.
Dogs have personalities, they can express themselves, they are innocent, they are fun, they are loving, they can sense your mood and feelings, and they want to comfort you when you are sad. They love you and they can do amazing things, and they are part of the family. All of this is beautifully expressed in this book. This is a heartwarming book that will leave no heart untouched…
To read the full review, please visit Thomas’ wonderful site by clicking the link below:
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 at Gobblers by Masticadores Spillwords Author of the Month May 2023 Spillwords Publication of the Month October 2024 Spillwords Publication of the Month June 2025
When I think of the new season upon us, I envision warm reds, oranges, and yellows, and vibrant shades of pink. I can smell cinnamon baking in the oven, and imagine sipping a pumpkin spice latte for a morning treat and hot apple cider as an evening winds down. Maybe an occasional indulgence in a delicious apple crisp, and of course, some cozying up under soft blankets. This is my favorite season, so won’t you join me as we enjoy a little fall-ing? 🍂🍎🍁
These photos are from years past, as summer is stubborn and won’t let the trees transform just yet, but I’m readyfor the change now…
1.
crisp mornings join late summer afternoons to greet fall’s cozy prelude
2.
leaves change into their raspberry autumn wardrobe attire for the dance
3.
new season creates inundation in its wake melodious crunch
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Do you have a favorite? 1, 2, or 3? Or maybe all three?😁 Thanks for swinging by, and I wish you a peaceful Sunday. 🩷
Click on my daughter’s image to order your copy! 🧡
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 at 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 