Category: Discussion

Just some fun randomness!

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Photos46 Comments

First of all, our little finch family has flown for good.  It wasn’t long after the babies had hatched that the whole family had soon left. In our minds, it happened so fast, and unfortunately, we weren’t able to say good-bye. Well, it was fun watching the process – first time for everything, and now that Mr. & Mrs. Finch know our house is a safe haven, they just might return if they decide to grow their family. 🙂

Secondly, my husband and I are leaving this weekend for a camping adventure. It’ll be fun to get away, to immerse in some relaxation, hiking, and swimming. We both love time spent in the mountains, among the freshwater lakes and majestic pines. There’s just something special about that mountain air! Needless to say, I won’t be blogging, but I’ll return later next week. And for fun, I’m sharing some photos that may bring a smile…

copper playing with his bone
Copper’s having fun, but who’s winning?
sky
What a beautiful, fluffy, summer sky!
IMG_3610
Finally, a sunflower bud, so we’re still eager for the blooms.
deer
On a walk with Copper, look who we saw prancing!
IMG_3617
And these flowers popped out, too. Just lovely and friendly,
don’t you think?

 I plan to do some blog-reading until we leave; otherwise, I’ll see you when I return to city life and technology. Until then, take care and stay safe. Lauren 🌼❤🌻

Skipping Stones

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Books, Discussion, Poetry25 Comments

Dear Friends,

I am thrilled to announce the publication of my good friend’s book, “Skipping Stones.” Betty is a lover of nature, Mother Earth, gardening, song and dance. She writes beautiful poetry that leaves the readers sighing…She graciously asked me to write a review for the back cover of which I remain honored to do so. Please see below…

“Betty’s poetic narration in Skipping Stones is mythical and dreamlike, moving and heart- wrenching, delightful and thought-provoking. All facets of Mother Earth play an integral part in Betty’s life, and after reading her poetry, including the poignant personification of a tree, the reader feels more compassion. The language of grief is strongly persuasive, as if pulling the reader to the ground, weeping. The poems of love and romance seamlessly interlace joy, sorrow, and passion. Each word, each line, each verse in the Maeberrie series portrays vivid imagery and a mastery of captivating storytelling. Betty’s writing illustrates the seasons of life, peeling through many layers, touching countless levels of emotions, while adding clever wordplay. This book of poetry impeccably represents the devoted, empathetic, and beautiful spirit of the author.” 

Skipping Stones cover

The photo for the cover was taken by her son, Jason, and is absolutely gorgeous and enticing enough to turn the pages and discover the beauty that lies inside. So…

Here is the convenient short link for Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/yccscdzk, and if you haven’t already found her blog, I encourage you to pay her a visit, as you will not be disappointed. She is an amazing writer, so all it takes is one click:
https://raindancepoetry.wordpress.com.

IMG_6374

Thank you for your support, and I know you’ll love not only Betty’s poetic style, but also her heart.
~Lauren 💕🌷


 

 

 

 

Kindness and An Unfortunate Event

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Poetry45 Comments

Image result for blind corners

Yesterday, shortly after leaving work, I was driving up a hill going around a blind corner, and the car coming towards me down the hill wasn’t paying attention, hitting my car on the left front. This was a first for me having never been in an accident. When I saw the car coming towards me, I thought he would move over just like all the crazy drivers in similar close calls. This time was different.

Well, no one was hurt, he admitted to being in the wrong, was nice and apologetic. We exchanged all the necessary information, but I was shaken up and could barely write. Ironically, he reacted in the same manner. 

While all this was taking place, a neighbor had witnessed the accident. And when the man who hit me left, the neighbor came out and shared that he has security cameras and will print out photos for me. How nice and timely is this! So, I have two photos for the claim that will come in handy. Then while I was on the phone calling for a tow truck (my car couldn’t be driven), he came out with a cold water, as it was hot in the 90’s. Needless to say, his kindness softened the inconvenient tone to my afternoon.

Then, while I was waiting for the tow truck, a young guy out front a few houses down asked if I was waiting for Triple A, and I said, “yes.” Well, he saw the truck going in the wrong direction. You see, the street I was on was off the beaten path. So, he offered to run down to the bottom of the street and flag the driver down. I asked, “Why would you do that?” His answer was, “Why not? There are kind people in the world.” Wow! Anyway, the truck found me. My poor car is currently in the shop awaiting surgery, and I pick up my rental car this morning.

My message is although the accident occurred, I’m thankful that neither of us were hurt, that the man at fault was compliant and insured, that there was the kind and helpful neighbor, then there was the guy who flagged down the tow truck driver. Kindness managed to shine through in the midst of this unfortunate event. The whole afternoon could’ve had a worse outcome, so I count my blessings. And lastly, please be careful driving around blind corners. 🙂

Image result for kindness makes a difference

Lauren Scott © 2018
Images from Google

Finding Joy, if you take the time

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Poetry35 Comments

SUNFLOWERS (5)

This is one of several sunflowers we have planted around the yard and the only one that is potted. Because these seeds are in a pot, they’re probably at their true height right now. Last night, we even saw a new bud! Can’t wait to see that inspiring bright yellow flower!

It’s the little things in life that bring true joy, isn’t it? If we stop what we’re doing, if we slow down instead of frantically moving about, the little things will stand out more so not to be missed. As you know from prior posts, I’ve never been into gardening, but something sparked my interest this year. I’ve learned to appreciate taking care of flowers and plants, and then watching them grow and bloom. A special kind of beauty. We have a regular routine, but if they look dry at any time in-between, it’s as though my heart breaks before getting out the hose and giving them their much needed drink of water.

So, to end the week, I’m sharing some sunflower joy, and to encourage you all (myself included) to continue enjoying the little things in your lives. They are what matter most. They are what bring true joy within. I’ll end with a few inspiring quotes…

“You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you.” 
~ Andy Warhol

“The small things of life were often so much bigger than the great things . . . the trivial pleasure like cooking, one’s home, little poems especially sad ones, solitary walks, funny things seen and overheard.”
~Barbara Pym

“I live to enjoy life by the littlest things, feeling the grass between my toes, breathing fresh air, watching the wind sway the trees, enjoying the company of loved ones, a deep conversation, getting lost in a good book, going for a walk in nature, watching my kids grow up. Just the feeling itself of being alive, the absolute amazing fact that we are here right now, breathing, thinking, doing.” 
~Marigold Wellington

HAPPY FRIDAY AND HAPPY WEEKEND AHEAD. GO OUT AND ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS, AND BE GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY!

LOTS OF LOVE, LAUREN ❤🌼🌷🌻😊

 

Babies on Board

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Photos37 Comments

As I mentioned in my previous posts, Sweet & Cute Factor and Houseguests, we’ve had a finch mama and papa living in our gazebo for over a month and have been awaiting the arrival of their little chicks. At one time, we used a mirror to look inside the nest, and as you can see, it was exciting to find four eggs.

Yesterday, we saw two babies, so if there are two more, they’re not visual just yet. The little babies are so cute with their tiny heads popping up, and at one time, their little beaks were open. The second photo shows the (left) chick’s hair illuminated by the sunlight. It’s hard to see, but try to look closely.

Then while we watched the babies, Mama and Papa sat on nearby wires not far from the nest. Papa soon decided to join Mama, so together they sat, but keeping a close eye on us, too. We’ve been on the patio ever since they moved in, so they must not have felt threatened by us.

Anyway, it’s been wonderful entertainment to watch this cute little couple prepare for their babies to arrive, and now, to see the adorable little chicks. Someday soon, this amazing family will move on, but until then, we’ll continue to enjoy their company. ❤

Accomplishments

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Poetry53 Comments

This past Saturday was our son’s college graduation from UC Davis. He majored in Political Science and minored in Communications. We’re so proud of his accomplishments and can’t wait to see where his next adventure takes him. My husband and I are now proud parents of two UC Davis grads, and the college days have ended. 🙂

This leads me into sharing some wise quotes on chasing dreams and being true to yourself at the same time:

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” 
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Always believe in yourself and always stretch yourself beyond your limits. Your life is worth a lot more than you think because you are capable of accomplishing more than you know. You have more potential than you think, but you will never know your full potential unless you keep challenging yourself and pushing beyond your own self imposed limits.” 
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Dreams become regrets when left in the mind, never planted in the soil of action.” 
~ Auliq-Ice

“The point of dreams was never to be the affordable option, it was the one everyone else saw as a mistake and every creative person saw as an opportunity.” 
~ Anastasia Bolinder

“Remember your dreams and fight for them. You must know what you want from life. There is just one thing that makes your dream become impossible: the fear of failure.”
~ Paulo Coelho

SO, CHEERS TO REACHING FOR THE STARS AND TOUCHING THAT FINISH LINE. BUT…CHEERS TO ALSO TRYING YOUR HARDEST, MAYBE FAILING, THEN HAVING THE COURAGE AND PERSEVERANCE TO GET BACK UP AGAIN! 🎉🎉🎉

 

Houseguests

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Photos, Poetry40 Comments

finch nest on gazebo

Finding the perfect spot,
rent-free, it’s quite a
delight to watch their
construction take shape

They flit and flutter,
occasionally carrying
out a balancing act
on a wire even higher
than their home

He looks dashing in
his red-vested tux,
and she glows in her
mother-to-be way

With their private little
home, only tiny heads
can be seen – one, then
two, but soon there will
be a complete family

Lauren Scott © 2018

This post ties into the one prior, Sweet & Cute Factor, from yesterday (June 2nd). If you haven’t already seen it, please check it out. I think you’ll enjoy. In this photo is the finch nest that ‘our’ adorable little pair created on the gazebo, tucked in and too high for us to take a peek, though. 

And just a few moments ago, to our delight, the daddy eyed the bowl of water we placed on the bar. He sat on the back of the bar chair, contemplating his next move. Surprisingly, he hopped onto the side of the bowl, perched himself comfortably, and indulged in a cool sip. I’m sure it felt heavenly, since the temperature today is in the low nineties. Sadly, the photo I took didn’t turn out, so you’ll have to use your imaginations. 🙂

Hope you enjoyed this addition to the finch tale, and to be continued…

 

Sweet & Cute Factor

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Photos39 Comments

For the past week, we’ve had some unexpected guests, a mama and daddy finch. They’ve given us the pleasure of watching their home-building process inside our gazebo, and sometime soon, cute little baby chicks will complete their feathered family.

Yesterday’s entertainment came when daddy began playing on my car side mirror. Actually, it appeared that he was fighting for his territory. Little did he know that what he saw was his own reflection, and the third photo, you see a glimpse of his tail only. So, I grabbed my cell, zoomed in, and took these photos before he took flight. If you also look closely enough, you’ll see that I have some cleaning up to do. 🙂

It was fun to watch this little guy, as long as he didn’t hurt himself, which wasn’t the case. When it was time for me to leave and I was nearer with Copper in tow, he took flight without hesitation. I was happy to catch his wings all a flutter, though, before he went on his merry way. I’ll keep you posted with their growing family…

The last photo is the homemade carrot cake I baked for a dinner we went to last night with friends. It was a potluck, and all the food was delicious, not to mention, the company was great. Do you like carrot cake? It’s my ultimate favorite…always…forever and ever…
If only that ‘share’ button was literal; I’d offer you a taste. 🙂

Hope you enjoyed, and Happy Saturday! 🌻❤🌼