Readings, Respite, Reflecting, Resuming 🍁

On November 22, 2025November 22, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Poetry109 Comments

Dear Family and Friends,

I’m combining several things in this post, so make yourself comfortable and pour a glass of your favorite cold or hot drink! To begin with, I had the opportunity to read my book, Cora’s Quest, at our local library. This was a ‘first’ for me, other than the reading at the book fair in May. Seven children and their moms arrived with attentive hearts and minds, and it was wonderful, to say the least. I don’t have many photos because the kids’ faces can’t be seen, but these give you an idea.

I spoke a little before I began reading, and then I had several questions for the children afterwards. They answered and were adorable, not to mention, smart! A few moms chimed in too! And a couple of the moms mentioned to me that they really loved the message in the story: To remember that we always have courage inside of us and to stay calm when we’re feeling afraid.

I had several giveaways: stickers, bookmarks, puppets, and coloring pages, and many of the kids had fun coloring at the table. And I sold some books, which wasn’t the main goal. First of all, I hoped for a decent number of kids to show up, which happened. Then of course, I hoped that the children and parents loved the book, which they did by clapping at the end of the reading. I have to add that all the kids left with a sticker on their shirt or dress, and some of the moms did the same. I had a happy heart, and they all loved Cora! So, that evening, Matt and I toasted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to my success! 🥂

Now as for respite, this will be my last post until the first week of December. It’s time to prepare for the big day, Thanksgiving, and excited to see our kids while also reflecting upon past memories of our parents whom have all passed away. Not to mention, our lovable dogs, and Copper, who we still miss so much. They’re having lots of fun together over the Rainbow Bridge. 🌈

Speaking of Copper, yesterday afternoon I was really missing him and my emotions got the best of me. I was sitting at my desk and happen to look out the window, and what did I see? Our neighbor’s gray cat relaxing on our patio chair. She was all curled up and quite cozy and comfortable. I felt like something bigger was at play because of my longing to hug Copper one more time, and knowing that this holiday season will be our first without him. Sigh.

***Copper loved this time of year, and he definitely was a regal boy.*** 🧡

Lastly, I leave you with old poetic thoughts for Thanksgiving.
So, to those who celebrate this holiday,
I wish you a blessed day, and to those who don’t, I wish you a blessed day!

Below is a poem I give to you all! ❤️

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Born from history a day we celebrate
blessings in our lives, for each breath we take
but some live in darkness with light, imaginary
living to survive is anything but sanctuary
I hold them in my heart, though trite to some ears
In moments of surrender, I give freedom to tears

So, I ask not for anything
but one gift I will bring
to the feast laid before me
where all should dance with glee
a piece of me that I impart
is my very grateful heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I’ll see you in December to resume my blogging routine,
so be well, be safe, be happy. Sending love! ❤️

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com

***Click on my son’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

“Here’s Johnny!”

On October 10, 2025October 10, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Photos, Poetry97 Comments

When we were visiting our son in Colorado, one place on his itinerary was Estes Park, and it’s in Estes Park where The Stanley Hotel is located, which is where The Shining was filmed, based on the book by Stephen King starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall. Although, the brilliant author disapproved of the film adaptation by Stanley Kubrick, even so, our walk around the grounds and inside the hotels was fascinating.

I’m not a horror fan, but I watched this genre in my teens. And yet, some images stick with me like super glue, unlike my husband who enjoys these movies for their creativity, costumes, and makeup, and who doesn’t take them seriously. Those horrific images that follow me through life such as from The Exorcist and The Amityville Horror are why I don’t watch them anymore. 😳 But now I’m going to contradict my words because I remember The Shining, vaguely, and I kind of want to watch it again now that we’ve walked through the hotel. Note, I said kind of.

“Honey, maybe we can watch The Shining on Halloween night,” I suggested. “But I need to have at least one light on.”

“Sounds fine, but I wouldn’t want any lights on. Where’s the fun in that?” He replied.

No decision between wife and hubby has been made yet. TBD.

There are several properties on the grounds, and we arrived in the evening, checking into our hotel, then enjoying a delicious dinner at The Post Chicken and Beer restaurant. We stayed at The Aspire which is part of The Stanley Hotel, so as guests, we were able to walk throughout the campus. I believe the hotel above is where the interior shots of the movie were filmed, but don’t quote me. I’m not versed in the history or details. Lights around the trees created a magical experience while we did what tourists do.

Pulled from the hotel website:

Discover historic elegance and natural beauty at The Stanley Hotel, founded in 1909 by F.O. Stanley. Nestled in the heart of stunning Estes Park, Colorado, our iconic hotel is just minutes away from the breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park and conveniently accessible from Denver Airport.

Immerse yourself in the rich history that inspired Stephen King’s masterpiece, The Shining, as you explore the corridors and rooms that echo with tales of the past. But The Stanley is more than a literary landmark – it’s a destination for unforgettable experiences.

Explore our diverse offerings, from a number of tours to magic shows, concerts, and exceptional dining experiences. With 41,000 square feet of versatile meeting and event space, The Stanley is also the perfect backdrop for weddings and gatherings, making it one of the most sought-after venues in the US.

Whether you’re captivated by history, the allure of nature, or seeking a touch of magic, The Stanley Hotel beckons you to an extraordinary escape where each moment is timeless. Choose from four unique experiences for your stay: The Stanley Hotel, The Lodge, Aspire Hotel & Spa, and The Residences. Book now and embark on a journey where history and hospitality converge, creating lasting memories in a place unlike any other.

For the sake of October’s festivities, here are some quotes from the movie (besides, “Here’s Johnny!”:

“Sometimes human places, create inhuman monsters”
“The world’s a hard place. It don’t care. It don’t hate you and me, but it don’t love us, either”
“Redrum” (written on a door, which is “murder” spelled backward)
“I and others have come to a belief, that your heart is not in this. That you don’t have the belly for it,” said Delbert Grady to Jack.
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”

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I hope you enjoyed reading about the historic hotel, and the photos from our trip. If you’re a horror flick fan, kudos to you! You’re braver than me! I’m too much of a scaredy-cat! And believe me, if we watch The Shining, I’ll win! At least one light will be glowing! 👻

Happy Friday, and have a goosebump-good weekend! 🎃

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com

***Click on my daughter’s image to order your copy!*** 🧡

Thanks for stopping by, and I 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

Leaving on a jet plane…

On September 23, 2025September 23, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Photos, Vacations

Dear Friends,

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! ❤️

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

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

Highlights to Showcase!

On August 27, 2025August 27, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Books, Discussion, Poetry76 Comments

***Photo by rovenimages.com on Pexels.com***

There is so much happening that gives reason for celebrating in the midst of still missing Copper. I don’t normally remember my dreams, but I dreamed about him the other night and it was vivid. Just an ordinary day with him trotting around the house, “nails clicking on the floor.” Anyway, I am so grateful and humbled by the beautiful reviews that are flowing in for King Copper. Thank you to those who have shared your heartwarming thoughts. ❤️

I also want to share the great news that my dear friend, Maggie, at Ephemeral Encounters, has been nominated for Author of the Month by Spillwords! And my good friend, Ernie, at The Dawghouse, has been nominated for Publication of the Month for his poem, “Little Mouse.” Way to go, Maggie and Ernie! 🎉

I encourage you to cast your vote for these two amazing writers at https://spillwords.com/vote/ and voting will conclude on August 29th. 🗳️

On another note, writing reviews seems to be a slow process for me. I should get in the habit of writing the review right after finishing a book. But no…I can’t stop reading, therefore, the books pile up and so do the reviews waiting to be written. That’s currently where I’m at. But having an abundance of books to read is the best problem, right?

And my latest selection include the following 5-star reads:

Gratitude & No Fairy Tale by D.L. Finn
Honeysuckle Heat by Michele Lee Sefton
A Noble Bargain by Jan Sikes
Cade’s Quest by Linda Broday (Jan’s sister)
Endangered Species by Jacqui Murray
Embracing the Power to Live by Marsha Ingrao

So next month, I’ll share my reviews! In the meantime, I hope you’ll check these fabulous books out!

Let’s keep those TBRs towering! 😂

And let’s not forget my TBR:

I’m currently reading a wonderful book: The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Lowenhohle by Thomas Wikman
and in the lineup are:
Sam, A Shaggy Dog Story by Sally Cronin
The Bush Devil Ate Sam by Curtis Mekemson
Rhyming Dreams by Nicole Sara

I’m sure the lineup will grow as fast as I’m typing! 📚

Lastly, I’d like to share an earlier, beautiful review of King Copper by Jan Sikes:

Processing Loss in poetic form
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2025
Verified Purchase

I shed more than a tear or two as I read this beautiful tribute to King Copper, a chocolate lab that gave so much love and joy to the author’s family. The poetry is heartfelt and poignant. Some of the poems speak of the happy times and some of the deep sadness at Copper’s passing. He came to their home in March with youthful spirit and left in March gaining angel wings with 13 years in between. This is a touching story of unconditional love. Here is an example of poems that touched me deeply…

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!

My Shadow

Feeling empty in my bones
walking from room to room,
where is my shadow?

Those are just two very short examples of the deep heartfelt poetry in this book. The photos of the deeply cherished Copper and his family are an added bonus. If you’ve ever experienced the pain of loss and struggled to find a way to carry on, I recommend this short read to help you process. It touches on the reality of grieving and how hard it can be to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Yet, we do, as the author shows us.

Thanks so much, Jan, and a huge thanks to you who have shared your reviews on your blogs (I’ll reblog soon), and/or on Amazon and Goodreads. I am grateful beyond words! ❤️

This wraps up the highlights, so hugs to you for stopping by!
I know you have a million blogs to read and support like I do,
so your time here is appreciated! Have a spectacular day! 💖

***Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com***

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***Click on the image to order your copy!*** 🧡

A parking spot brings a smile!

On July 10, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Personal Stories88 Comments

Even though the sky was a stunning canvas of vibrancy yesterday morning, my mind was in a funk. Worries flooded each thought, and each worry got stuck like gum under a school desk. But I had to get on with the day – first stop was the post office. I was happy to see that street parking was ample. As I pulled up to the curb, I noticed the truck in front of me was about to leave, so I waited. When the truck pulled out, I pulled up, leaving room for parking behind me. I’ve done this a million times before, and sometimes finding a parking spot feels like winning the lottery. Plus, it’s nice to be able to park with lots of room rather than attempting to squeeze in between two cars. Why not make things easy for the next person?

After I finished inside, I headed for my car. As I sat with my foot on the break, hands on the wheel about to leave, a woman pulled up beside me, motioning for me to roll down my window, which I did. She said, “I just want to thank you for pulling up so that the lady behind me and I could pull in right behind you. There’s a lot of rudeness nowadays, so we found your gesture to be very kind.”

“Of course, I was happy to do that.” I replied, a bit surprised by her kind gesture for the same reason. Then we both went on our merry way. However, the funk that dominated my thoughts earlier had dissipated because I brought a smile to two women from a little bit of kindness. What could have been a frustrating undertaking for them was made a little easier – the gift of a parking space!

This moment yesterday may seem unimportant,
but my experience proves that not only does a simple act of kindness
brighten the recipient’s day, but it does the same for the ‘kindness provider.’

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention.”
~ Kahlil Gibran

Thanks for visiting, have a fabulous day,
and Cheers to spreading more kindness!
The world would be a much better place!

❤️❤️❤️

Available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble,
but click on the image to purchase
your copy through Amazon.💜

Memorial Day Reflections

On May 24, 2025May 24, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Poetry90 Comments

Dear Friends,

I hope you’re doing well! We’re enjoying our last weekend with our son before he returns to CO. I’ll try to contain the tears, but I have a feeling they’ll be the winners. The visit has been wonderful, but we raise our children to fly from the nest, to create their own lives, and ours have done just that to make us proud. Sigh.

On another note, I’ve renovated my blog, so if you notice, let me know what you think. Or if you have ideas to make it look better, please share them. I’m no webmaster! My goal was to create an author page with my blog as a separate tab. I did it, but it wasn’t an easy task. Thanks to the Gremlins for taking a lunch break while I diligently worked and followed directions online. 🙂 And if you check out my home page, feel free to click on the ‘like’ button. ❤️

And lastly, a long weekend in the U.S. arrives but not without a high price…

I AM A VETERAN

by Andrea Christensen Brett

You may not know me the first time we meet
I’m just another you see on the street
But I am the reason you walk and breathe free
I am the reason for your liberty

I AM A VETERAN

I work in the local factory all day
I own the restaurant just down the way
I sell you insurance, I start your IV
I’ve got the best-looking grandkids you’ll ever see

I’m your grocer, your banker
Your child’s schoolteacher
I’m your plumber, your barber
Your family’s preacher
But there’s part of me you don’t know very well
Just listen a moment, I’ve a story to tell

I AM A VETERAN

I joined the service while still in my teens
I traded my prom dress for camouflage greens
I’m the first in my family to do something like this
I followed my father, like he followed his

Defying my fears and hiding my doubt
I married my sweetheart before I shipped out
I missed Christmas, then Easter
The birth of my son
But I knew I was doing what had to be done

I served on the battlefront, I served on the base
I bound up the wounded
And begged for God’s grace
I gave orders to fire, I followed commands
I marched into conflict in far distant lands

In the jungle, the desert, on mountains and shores
In bunkers, in tents, on dank earthen floors
While I fought on the ground, in the air, on the sea
My family and friends were home praying for me

For the land of the free and the home of the brave
I faced my demons in foxholes and caves
Then one dreaded day, without drummer or fife
I lost an arm, my buddy lost his life

I came home and moved on
But forever was changed
The perils of war in my memory remained
I don’t really say much, I don’t feel like I can
But I left home a child, and came home a man

There are thousands like me
Thousands more who are gone
But their legacy lives as time marches on
White crosses in rows
And names carved in queue
Remind us of what these brave souls had to do

I’m part of a fellowship, a strong mighty band
Of each man and each woman
Who has served this great land
And when Old Glory waves
I stand proud, I stand tall
I helped keep her flying over you, over all

I AM A VETERAN

“Veterans are true American Idols.”

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© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble,
but click on the image to purchase your
copy through Amazon. And a friendly nudge
to share a review online if you loved Cora’s Quest.
***Thanks so much!*** 💜

I don’t know about you, but to me, this poem is moving beyond words. 💜

Thank you for stopping by, and I wish you all a safe Memorial Day Weekend. ❤️🇺🇸

A Successful Book Fair!

On May 20, 2025May 21, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Poetry103 Comments

Please know there is no bragging in this post. I’m simply sharing my first-time experience and excitement participating in a book fair...

It turned out that I had a fabulous time at the Ukiah Children’s Book Fair on Saturday held at The City of Ten Thousand Buddhas! Cora’s Quest was in the spotlight! I did my first children’s book reading which went smoothly. I’m also thrilled that I sold 12 books! So exciting, I have to admit! 🎉

The event was well organized, so I offer a huge Thank You to all involved in making this fair a success. If I had to choose a word for this day, it would be ‘Kindness.’ Everyone was so nice! The authors received a goodie bag upon arrival and were asked to sign a poster board. Such a kind and welcoming gesture!

This book fair was a great opportunity to meet new authors and exchange business cards. It was also fun to carpool with Teri Drobnick and catch up. She and I met at the SF Writers Conference. Her charming book is Moving Day which I highly recommend. Inspired by the real-life story of moving a 139-year-old, 133-ton Victorian house six blocks, this picture book from a house’s perspective is a charming twist on a common childhood experience.

Click on the image to purchase from
Amazon.

Some photos are courtesy of The Ukiah Book Fair and some are mine.

From Ukiah’s Facebook post:

The Earth Store Hall came to life as the community came out to meet authors, celebrate books, reading, community and culture! Not only did the event feature dragon & lion dances but also taiko drumming, fan dances and a performance from Ballet Folklorico! There were exclusive food and drink options from Jyun Kang Restaurant and so much more.

For my first book fair, this was an awesome experience! Calm nerves, a relaxing and fun environment, and an opportunity to network, along with promoting Cora’s Quest. I’ve been nudged by Teri and a few other authors to join SCBWI, Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, and I finally took that leap yesterday. Ironically, I have about 4 children’s book ideas brewing! Not sure if they’re good, but I can’t wait to move forward once my Copper book has been released. And I can’t wait for the next book fair!

On a sidenote, I made a To-do list (all about writing projects) and it’s about 20 items long. So, at 2:30 am I woke up thinking about everything on that list! But I dozed off and on until the alarm went off, and during that dozing, a poem swirled around and around like clothes in a washer! Can you relate?

Dear Brain,

I know you want to think
Because much needs to be done
But now isn’t the time
For you, me, or anyone.

The sky is sleepy dark
Not a sound stirs outside
Humans are slumbering
And so must I!

I beg you to flip your switch
To the preferred off from on
I promise you’ll get your chance
At the break of dawn

When the sun rises over hills
Wearing tangerine and pink
Then you can flip the switch again
And think, think, think!

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

I hope you enjoyed this update, and as always, I appreciate you stopping by!
Have a wonderful day! ❤️

Another special day and a spring in your step!

On March 27, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Poetry

My hubby and I are going away for the weekend, returning home later Sunday. It’s been a while since we were able to get away, even for a few nights. So we’ll celebrate our 36th, his 65th, my 64th, and our 13 years with Copper Boy! January, February, and March brought a whirlwind of emotions. I’ll be offline while away, and confession time: I am so behind in reading blogs, but I look forward to visiting your blogs next week.

About March 27th…

Today marks the day when Copper came into our lives in 2012 – his adoption day, his gotcha day! Today marks 3 1/2 weeks since he left our earthly world. And though our hearts still ache from missing him (look at this face), we celebrate his life and the 13 years we all had together. 🤎

***Photo credit to my daughter – a younger Copper***

“You will always be in our hearts, Copper, you handsome boy.” ❤️

Thank you for staying with me during this time of grief from when our 14 1/2 year old puppy crossed over the rainbow bridge on March 3rd. We will see him in the next life. 🌈

I want to leave you with another poem for Spring, another oldie,
from my memoir: More than Coffee: memories in verse and prose:

Her Offerings

Harmony lives in each flow of a breeze
In each gentle embrace of evergreens
The clear blue enchantingly shields
Let nothing stay concealed.

Blooms tender their affable smile
Leaves listen in for awhile
Birdsong soothes the whirling mind
A landscape perfectly designed.

Nature’s lessons are plentiful
Shall our choices be flexible?
We are not ignorant to her offerings
Receive them for relief of suffering.

A painting of beauty and brilliance
Mesmerizing even in distance
Can you deny the splendid view?
Allow serenity to fall into you.

I hope my poem gives you a spring in your step and helps you to appreciate Nature’s offerings, and I’m turning off comments for the sake of time. Yours and mine! 🙂 I will miss our connection and interaction, but I will see you next week. Until then, enjoy the upcoming weekend and each day, for each day is a gift.
I appreciate you all so much! ❤️