I wish I could say I’m embraced by the magic of the melancholic rock art band with my love next to me, my right hand tucked into his left, transported to a dreamlike state of mind… but I cannot lie, transparency in the eyes. Every worry at this very moment wriggles through mind, muscles, and nerves pulling me into moody blues. Even the sky mirrors my emotions wearing its stone gray, and the wind in its fierceness is angry at something, at what? I am unaware. The temperature, cold in May – where is the warmth of the rays that will calm the worries into hibernation, at least for now? “Isn’t Life Strange” how our moods change with the roll of the clouds or drops of the rain. Moody blues and me on this bluesy gray day.
Lauren Scott is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry, a memoir in verse and prose, and her first children’s book. She has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured at Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations. At Spillwords Press, she was awarded Publication of the Year (Poetic 2026), Author of the Month (May 2023) and Publication of the Month (June 2025, October 2024). Her work was named Honorable Mention in The Smalls Too 2026 Poetry Contest from the California Writer’s Club. Lauren’s work is published in several anthologies. She is currently working on her second children’s book and a collection of poetry. Lauren’s muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, and marveling at the mysteries of life.
Recently, Gabriela Marie Milton, Poet and Editor at Literary Revelations Publishing House, invited me to participate in her Portrait of a Writer Interview Series. And I just received her email letting me know that our interview is live on her site, literaryrevelations.com. Gabriela is not only a fabulous writer, she is so kind in sharing the work of other authors. I am honored to be featured, and here is a peek:
A. What inspires you?
1. Thanks so much for having me here today, Gabriela. The first question is tough because so many things inspire me to write…slivers of sunshine, rain showers, lake serenity, redwoods, backpacking, living creatures, celebrating a wonderful marriage to my husband who is my best friend, our amazing daughter and son, our dogs, and even events that tug at the heart inspire me to put thoughts onto paper. Ever since my youth, language, letters, sounds, and words have had their hold on me, so writing every day is natural as sunshine. Playing word games is fun too, and Scrabble will always be a favorite; my husband and I pull out the old board game now and then. We’re even hooked on watching Wheel of Fortune. It’s not only fun, but it’s good for the brain to solve those puzzles.
To read the full interview, please click on the link below:
If you haven’t met Gabriela, peruse around her blog and learn more about her and the beautiful books she has published…
Please note: Gabriela’s new anthology, Haiku For Soulmates is coming soon, so please follow her blog for more information.
Thanks again, Gabriela! ❤️
And thank you, dear friends, for popping in! Since Mother’s Day is around the corner, I want to wish all the wonderful, loving moms out there a very Happy Mother’s Day and weekend! I miss my mom and mother-in-law, and wish the best days to my two lovely sisters in Southern California! And my daughter, son, and hubby make me feel like the luckiest mom and wife in the whole wide world!
Lauren Scott is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry, a memoir in verse and prose, and her first children’s book. She has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured at Spillwords Press, Gobblers and Masticadores, and LatinosUsa. At Spillwords Press, she was awarded Publication of the Year (Poetic 2026), Author of the Month (May 2023) and Publication of the Month (June 2025, October 2024). Her work was named Honorable Mention in The Smalls Too 2026 Poetry Contest from the California Writer’s Club. Lauren’s work is published in several anthologies. She is currently working on her second children’s book and a collection of poetry. Lauren’s muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, and marveling at the mysteries of life.
Poetry that willresonate for all pet parents. ❤️
Since I’m not blogging as much, I received a message from Pooja, telling me that she posted her review of King Copper on her blog. I checked my notifications and saw hers – what a wonderful surprise for this Sunday morning! There are many ways of showing kindness, and I believe we’d all agree that our world needs more! Sharing book reviews is one special way! Thanks again, Pooja! 🙏💝
Here is a portion of her lovely words:
I’ve been reading a lot of poetry collections and books about pets and losing a pet which always gets me teary. But they’re also beautiful tributes to the good memories, the laughs and smiles shared. Anyone that’s had a pet will understand those bittersweet final moments and the love that a pet gives us.
King Copper is a beautiful tribute to Lauren Scott’s beloved dog, Copper. It is clear from the poems and the images that he was loved dearly by their entire family. I loved the poems in this collection. Some were uplifting and focused on the good moments with Copper and others were more touching such as March to March.
Despite Copper having said goodbye to the world, Lauren chose to focus on many of the joyous moments he brought her and their family. And in March to March she reminds the reader that even though he is gone, he’ll always have a place in the hearts of all that loved him.
I think the poem that really tugged at my heartstrings was To the Best Family which is written from Copper’s POV. It’s a reminder that when it comes to pets, we are their whole world. And goodbye is never forever.
Please click on the link below to read the rest of her beautiful review. I’m touched that Copper touched another heart. 🧡🤎❤️
If you’re a dog lover, a cat lover, or consider any pet to be family, the poems in this collection will resonate. ❤️
Now, I have to mention that Pooja not only writes beautiful and raw poetry that she shares on her wonderful blog, lifesfinewhine.ca, but she has just published her first novel, Perfect! I read it in 2 days, couldn’t put it down, and I’m working on my review, which I will share later this month. Here’s a snippet of Perfect:
A mother protecting her son. A boy spiraling into darkness. A girl who never stood a chance
Sally thinks she’s succeeded in breaking generational curses until she finds out her eldest son, James, is the prime suspect in Lily Johnson’s murder. After years of bliss, she’s forced to revisit dark family secrets she believed she had left behind. Even more unsettling is that the deeper she digs, the more she realizes that she may not know James as well as she thought.
Perfect is an emotionally gripping psychological domestic thriller that explores the impact of dark family secrets and the generational trauma it leads to. It will have readers questioning how well any of us know those we love and how far we’re willing to go to protect them.
I enjoy a riveting thriller or mystery as long as the story isn’t too graphic. Fitting the puzzle pieces together to solve a crime fascinates me. And Perfect was a perfect and compelling read! So, if you enjoy these genres too, pick up your copy! The story will grab a hold of you!!
Thank you, dear friends, for stopping by! I’ll be reading blogs today and into the week. ❤️🙏
Lauren Scott is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry, a memoir in verse and prose, and her first children’s book. She has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured at Spillwords Press, Gobblers and Masticadores, and LatinosUsa. At Spillwords Press, she was awarded Publication of the Year (Poetic 2026), Author of the Month (May 2023) and Publication of the Month (June 2025, October 2024). Her work was named Honorable Mention in The Smalls Too 2026 Poetry Contest from the California Writer’s Club. Lauren’s work is published in several anthologies. She is currently working on her second children’s book and a collection of poetry. Lauren’s muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, and marveling at the mysteries of life.
Poetry that will make you smile and touch your heart. ❤️
With a mind of their own feet move forward, a breeze swirls about giving my jacket wings, redwoods listen as I whisper questions, answers appear from around their trunks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Have a lovely Earth Day, get outdoors if you can, do your small part to take care of our beautiful planet, and thanks for stopping by!đź’š
Lauren Scott is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry, a memoir in verse and prose, and her first children’s book. She has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured at Spillwords Press, Gobblers and Masticadores, and LatinosUsa. At Spillwords Press, she was awarded Publication of the Year (Poetic 2026), Author of the Month (May 2023) and Publication of the Month (June 2025, October 2024). Her work was named Honorable Mention in The Smalls Too 2026 Poetry Contest from the California Writer’s Club. Lauren’s work is published in several anthologies. She is currently working on her second children’s book and a collection of poetry. Lauren’s muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, and marveling at the mysteries of life.Â
In March I submitted 3 poems to The Smalls Too Poetry Contest through the California Writers Club. I found out about this contest through Shawn, whose podcast I was a guest on last year talking about my book, King Copper. Shawn is a member of the California Writers Club, Redwood Writers Chapter.
There were close to 200 poets submitting their work and 450 poems in total that were sent in. The two award-winning authors who were the judges had to read those 450 poems to choose a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner, along with 10 Honorable Mentions. Thus, they had to select 13 poems out of 450!
I didn’t hold my breath, but I was surprised and excited to receive the email from one of the judges, informing me that my poem “Wings” was selected as an Honorable Mention, and it will be included in their anthology to be released later this year.
So, you can see by the numbers why I am THRILLED!!
A little more context regarding the rules…each poem had to be eight lines only (poetry with meaning and brevity), and could be written about any topic. I’m sharing “Wings” below:
I was also invited by Shawn to attend the Redwood Writers Chapter meeting yesterday, which I did and really enjoyed. Everyone was so nice and I am looking into joining as well. The timing feels right. Thank you to Shawn, Crissi, Les, Robin, and Roger for the warm welcome!
I hope my poem touched your heart or evoked special memories. Thanks so much for your visit, and for allowing me to celebrate this special recognition. Have a great week ahead, and I will visit you soon! ❤️
Lauren Scott is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry, a memoir in verse and prose, and her first children’s book. She has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured at Spillwords Press, Gobblers and Masticadores, and LatinosUsa. At Spillwords Press, she was awarded Publication of the Year (Poetic 2026), Author of the Month (May 2023) and Publication of the Month (June 2025, October 2024). Her work was named Honorable Mention in The Smalls Too 2026 Poetry Contest from the California Writer’s Club. Lauren’s work is published in several anthologies. She is currently working on her second children’s book and a collection of poetry. Lauren’s muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, and marveling at the mysteries of life.Â
I am delighted to be featured again as a Treasuring Poetry guest on Writing to be Read with Robbie Cheadle! We all know Robbie and how multi-talented she is with her writing and baking, but she is also generous with putting other writers in the spotlight. However, if you haven’t met Robbie yet, here is a little bit about her…
South African author and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated sixteen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
Please visit us at Writing to be Read to read the interview by clicking on the link below. I appreciate this opportunity with Robbie very much. 🙏
King Copper is a beautiful collection of poems paying tribute to the life of the poet’s dog, Copper. We become incredibly connected to our pets and they are part of our families. As a result we experience great grief and loss when they pass over the rainbow bridge. Lauren’s recordings of magical moments in her relationship with Copper and the joy he brought her and her family are a delight to experience. These emotions are described in Lauren’s micro poem, Temporary Smiles:
“Memories of joy bring temporary smiles tears wash them away”
The Preface and Still to Soon prose sections share a bit about Copper, his introduction into the poet’s family and his subsequent life with them, and his passing. He lived to a good old age of 14 1/2 and is sorely missed by his family. The book includes some lovely photographs of Copper with various family members.
This collection is fairly short but it is a worthy read and will help ease other hearts aching from the loss of a beloved pet.
Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see you at Writing to be Read! Have a wonderful Wednesday! ❤️
Lauren Scott is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in Northern California with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry, a memoir in verse and prose, and her first children’s book. She has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured at Spillwords Press, Gobblers and Masticadores, and LatinosUsa. At Spillwords Press, she was awarded Publication of the Year (Poetic 2026), Author of the Month (May 2023), and Publication of the Month (June 2025, October 2024). Lauren’s work is included in several anthologies. She is currently working on her second children’s book and another collection of poetry. Her muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, and marveling at the mysteries of life.Â
You’re not the same mixer Mom used when she created magic with the same ingredients for our palates, and yet each time you’re hard at work, memories flow of Mom and me in the kitchen with dark wood cabinets, blending, rolling out, and baking, moments more meaningful now.
You need to know that her love shined through recipes in every taste – savory or sweet, irrelevant, our own personal chef whose dishes filled us up to heart’s content.
I know memories flow for my children of them and me in our kitchen with mahogany cabinets, blending, rolling out, and baking, creating their meaningful moments.
Funny thing is for years I wanted one of those fancy stand mixers, but counter space kept me from the purchase, and you know what? I don’t need one because I have you! You have created all the magic I need in deliciousness and memory.
Lauren Scott is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in Northern California with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry, a memoir in verse and prose, and her first children’s book. She has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured at Spillwords Press, Gobblers and Masticadores, and LatinosUsa. At Spillwords Press, she was awarded Publication of the Year (Poetic 2026), Author of the Month (May 2023), and Publication of the Month (June 2025, October 2024). Lauren’s work is included in several anthologies. She is currently working on her second children’s book and another collection of poetry. Her muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, and marveling at the mysteries of life.Â
I’m enjoying my coffee as this Wednesday morning unfolds, and while checking email, I found that Manuela reblogged my post about the beauty of fungi at her lovely website, In a Love World.
Thank you, Manuela, for your kindness! And I hope you’ll visit Manuela’s blog to not only read the rest of my poem, but to peruse the beauty and love you’ll discover. ❤️
Author and poet, Lauren Scott, is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013), Finding a Balance (2015), Ever So Gently (2023), and King Copper (2025). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee. Her first children’s book, Cora’s Quest, was published in 2024. Lauren has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured on Spillwords Press where she was voted Author of the Month and garnered Publication of the Month awards. She is a recent recipient of the Publication of the Year (Poetic) Award. Lauren is a contributing author in several anthologies, and her work is showcased on LatinosUSA and Gobblers and Masticadores. She is currently working on her second children’s book and another collection of poetry. Lauren’s muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, reveling in simple things, and marveling at the mysteries of life.
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author & Poet 