Hiss

On June 19, 2025June 20, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry178 Comments

Dear Friends,
I apologize for my silence this week, but it’s not because my world has been silent…

Dear Tinnitus,

You arrived like an earthquake without warning. One day you simply shook my essence. You could be birdsong, a river flowing, soft rainfall, a symphony, a beautiful melody, but instead, a low hiss.

A negative mind could say like a punctured tire.
A positive mind would say like soothing white noise.

I’m thankful you don’t roar like thunder.
I’m thankful you don’t steal my ability
to function…
to live.

But sleep? Laying my head down on the pillow with you beside me is anything but relaxing.

Everything unpleasant requires mind over matter, so, I repeat,
“I’m fine, I’m fine!”
Eventually, my mind falls into a slumber.

Things can always be worse.

The pros:

I can still hear
the sounds I love.
You’re not horribly loud.
The train of life moves forward.
You didn’t bring pain
with your baggage.
Your visit could be temporary.
It’s not life-threatening.
You’re common.

The cons:

I feel trapped inside you.
No escaping.
A sense of claustrophobia.
I’ve had enough.
Let me out!
Falling asleep is challenging.
Your visit could be permanent.
Living with you is life changing.

I miss the solitude of silence, and now masking your constant presence is a must.

It is a privilege to blow out birthday candles each year, but with aging comes possible bumps in the road. So another bump may have tripped me up, but it won’t keep me down!

Mind over matter…

I hope your stay is temporary but knowing you could decide to hang out with me for the duration of my life, I might just need to get used to you.
So, I (once again) take One day at a time.

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Note: We experience things in life that we don’t always welcome, but life inspires writing – the reason for sharing my experience. I’m also open to any encouraging words.

Working on my Copper book and book reviews were paused this week because of this new diagnosis. Learning about tinnitus and how I can manage it has taken precedence. But soon I’ll post reviews for the following books:
Burning Butterflies, Ink Stained Love, Ancient Voices, and Meadowlark Songs.

I appreciate you, and I hope life is treating you well! Love and hugs, Lauren ❤️

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

Father’s Day Weekend Tribute ❤️

On June 14, 2025June 14, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Celebrations, Poetry83 Comments

This post honors all loving fathers who do their best ‘to be the best’ for their children. To begin with, for my husband, our fathers who have passed and are missed more than I can express in words, and to my brothers-in-law…The poem below was written about my husband, Matt, from my poetry collection, Ever So Gently.

Beneath the Big Golden Sun

He was their hero when they were young,
teaching of nature beneath the big golden sun.
They tried on their packs before feet hit the trail.
He’d say, “Be prepared or else you could fail.”

The trio trekked down paths and up inclines too,
pausing along the way to admire a flower or two.
After arriving in camp, they helped pitch the tent,
stakes in the ground, windows unzipped to vent.

As an Arborist, he educated them about trees
under the blue sky beside the buzzing honeybees.
They explored the ground seeking burrowing bugs.
He expressed praise with words and loving hugs.

When the sun faded at the end of a day,
they roasted marshmallows, found dominoes to play.
His first goal was fun in nature, then came self-reliance.
Their minds were like sponges, soaking up the science.

Now they reminisce for the best teacher he was
and recall the bonding with the deepest of love.
Now he’s proud of them, adulting and doing it well,
honored with the memories, the special stories to tell.

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It’s always fun to take a walk down memory lane…

***A younger FIL, who taught his son (Matt) about hiking and the great outdoors.***

***A fave of hubby and my dad after Mom passed.***

My mom passed in 2012, Dad in 2017, and Wil (FIL) in 2023. I don’t know where the time has gone for life to continue without our parents. But like all loved ones who leave our earthly world, they live in our hearts. And the photos we have become more precious each day. It’s just that these special holidays that pay tribute to them are spent differently. I miss the noisy, family get-togethers. We’d gather at our house, or Mom and Dad’s, or one of my sister’s homes. Those days remain only vivid memories. My sisters live in So. Cal. And our son and daughter live in CO. and TN. so we won’t see them in person, but a video chat will sustain until the next plane flight.

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By the way, DNA doesn’t make a good father. Actions Speak Louder than words, as we’ve heard before. A biologically connected man who neglects his children isn’t a good dad. A great father is a man who is emotionally available and actively involved in a child’s life.

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SO HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO THESE SPECIAL MEN
IN MY LIFE AND TO ALL THE FATHERS AROUND THE GLOBE!
MAY YOU HAVE A FABULOUS CELEBRATION! 🎉

“The greatest gift a father could give to his children is his time.”

Enjoy your weekend, and Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate you! ❤️

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© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.
P.S. I accidentally deleted my prior post, The Pages,
so if you commented on it, I apologize. I have no idea
what happened. But I’ll repost later on. 🙃

The Moon’s Intuition

On June 11, 2025June 13, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry95 Comments

I can reach her. She waits for me, gently hanging in the sky as black as the ink bleeding from my pen. But not so high that I can’t stretch and acquire, placing her in the palm of my hand. Now that I am in possession, I offer him the moon because he’s given me his heart from the very first date. We sat across from each other – only a white silky tablecloth separated us. December brought a magical evening. The moon had a hunch the night would become the foundation, so she illuminated for us, a couple whose lives were about to change in a magnificent way. But we knew, didn’t we? Young, yet old enough to know.

And I’ll leave the stars as they are, because even in the dark sky, he brings light to everything I learn, everything I know, and everything I touch. What is love without sappy sentiments? Language flows from my heart for only him to hear. A love back then before our eyes met that I wasn’t sure possible, and yet here we are, decades later, still feeling the fire. I can’t imagine the planets aligning without his soul. I can’t envision a forest without him as my redwood. I can’t picture sunshine without his laugh. I can’t imagine the calming of rain without him beside me. He says I’m the best thing that ever happened, but the same words tumble from my lips for him.

Into the future
moving forward hand in hand
love deepens with age

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This haibun was inspired by our fast-approaching engagement anniversary. It’s been a while since I’ve written romance, so I hope you enjoyed. Thanks for gracing me with your presence in my corner of blogland, and have a wonderful day! 💖

This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Layers – haiku

On June 9, 2025June 13, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry95 Comments

(a)

we gaze in wonder
textures and hues entertain
in nature’s artwork

(b)

emotions layered
piled on top of each other
leapfrogging through heart

(c)

devoid of blossoms
beauty in its own manner
eyes appreciate

On a bike ride over the weekend, I had to take a photo of this beautiful cactus. I hope you enjoy my Monday haiku musings. Wishing you a fab week ahead, and thanks for stopping by. ♥️

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

Spillwords Press publishes my poem, “I Am From”.

On June 4, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry113 Comments

Dear Family and Friends,

I am thrilled to share with you that my poem, “I Am From” is published on Spillwords Press today! Thank you to Dagmara and her team for accepting my recent submission. It is always a great honor to have my writing featured on her wonderful platform, and to be in the company of so many talented authors, some of whom I consider friends here in blogland.

You may recall my prior post, but if not, here’s a little back story…”I Am From” was inspired by Vicki’s poem that intrigued me. Please pop over to her lovely sight for inspiration: https://victoriaponders.com/2025/04/28/echoes/. She was originally inspired by Lori’s post: https://loripohlmanwriter.com/2025/04/25/polished-maple-tables/ in which I also visited, feeling the same rush of inspiration. They both spotlighted the poem “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon. And my version is:

I Am From

I am from my mom’s emotions
that had a mind of their own
so wild at times emulating a summer storm
I am from my dad’s humor
where smiles bloomed
but his temper too in my less patient moods

I am from flower petals I did not plant
Mom’s were nurtured – my thumbs weren’t green
yet the petals’ beauty is always seen
I am from butter, sugar (granulated and brown),
vanilla, baking powder and soda,
and nuts, yes, sometimes this is the case,
and chocolate chips in their tantalizing ways

I am from the moon in her mystery
The sun in his radiance
The lake in its serenity…

You can read the full poem here, and please don’t leave without giving it a ❤️. You only need to log in if you’d like to leave a comment. Either way, I’d appreciate your support!

Thanks again to Dagmara K. and her team, and thanks to you for stopping by!
I hope to see you at Spillwords! ❤️

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

“The Middle” published on Gobblers by Masticadores

On June 2, 2025June 2, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Gobblers by Masticadores, Poetry77 Comments

Dear Family and Friends,

I’m excited to share that my poem “The Middle” is live today on Gobblers by Masticadores! To give you a little back story, when I wrote this poem, life had changed tragically for a family member. Since then, there have been many improvements which I believe are miracles. But life still isn’t the same and a daunting question mark hangs in the future. Our family continues with positive thoughts and prayers. And I want to offer a huge thank you, as always, to Editor, Manuela Timofte, for featuring my writing.

The Middle

It doesn’t matter if we’re celebrating
the best thing that ever happened,
or staring at our heart lying on the floor
in millions of tiny pieces.
Time moves ahead (seemingly)
as if we pushed the fast forward button.
Those hands on the analog clock
have a mind of their own,
turning and turning, making our heads spin,
wondering where the hours have gone.
Where have the hours gone?
How does a decade ago feel like yesterday?
Why does my mind tell me I’m forty
when my driver’s license tells me I’m wrong?
Just yesterday, my daughter and son
played with Lego and Barbies.
Today they’re adulting, living with
bills that show up in the mailbox
on a monthly basis. Always prompt.
Just yesterday, I took my last photo
of our senior pup, not knowing
it would be the last photo
I would take of him...

To read the full poem, please visit Gobblers by clicking on the link below. Thank you so much, and I wish you a wonderful week in this new month of June. ❤️

The Middle

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.
Photo of Mickey Mouse found from Google.

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!*** 💜

A Most Beloved Mouse

On May 27, 2025June 2, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry88 Comments

Recently, I’ve been reflecting on my childhood, and since Disneyland played
such a big role, a poem began to bloom like a new bud slowly opening up.
It all began with a seed – a most beloved mouse, who is 96 years old,
making his first appearance in November 1928. Each memory that came
to mind was like a new petal on a blooming flower…

**Photo by Craig Adderley on Pexels.com**

Ode to Walt Disney

A kidney-shaped pool, lush lawn,
and lone palm tree sat in my backyard,
along with Walt Disney’s visionary creation.
Friends and I visited the magical park
during many summers,
paying around $5 to walk through the gates
that would lead us to Main Street.
Those were the days!

‘A through E’ ticket books navigated us,
but we had our favorite starting point,
a boat ride through different countries
while everyone sang, “It’s a Small World.”
Then we flew through space on a rollercoaster,
Cinderella’s castle enchanted us,
and who wouldn’t fall in love with
the flying elephant we know as Dumbo?

We cruised through the jungle,
screamed around every turn in the mansion,
held tight to bobsleds down the mountain,
had fun in the sun on Tom Sawyer’s Island,
guzzling cold apple cider. E tickets were gold!
An adventure for both young and old!

We indulged in a sinfully delicious Monte Cristo
at The Blue Bayou in The Pirates of the Caribbean
listening to sounds in the night as boats glided by.
Later in life, it was still ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’
for a family of four, everlasting delight.

Despite climbing ticket costs and cacophony of crowds,
I’d love another stroll down Main Street
to feel the enchantment swirl around me,
wave to Donald Duck, shake hands with Tigger,
hear laughter of children,
eyes opened wide with wonder.
I’d join others in wearing those iconic mouse ears!
I’d love to see Mickey and Minnie again
after all these years!

Maybe one more time from memories so dear
because joy would bloom from being in the moment,
in the fairytale…what a feeling!
Dear Walt Disney, thank you for dreaming!

***Photo by John Tekeridis on Pexels.com***

I could only find a few photos, so here’s one of me from the mid 70s 🙂

***Riding on the Skyway (sky buckets) which was closed in 1994.***
***I loved my shag haircut and halter tops. 🙂***

Back in the day when cell phones and millions of
photos didn’t exist. Poor quality, but the memories
remain vivid and wonderful.

And here’s a family Disneyland collage from 2012:

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoyed this Disney blast to the past!
A fun poem for me to write and great memories to revisit. And if you’re
also a Disney fan and find yourself in San Francisco, try to visit
The Walt Disney Family Museum. You’ll learn about the history and making
of Disneyland, how it all began for Walt Disney, and it’s a fascinating
visual experience!
https://www.waltdisney.org

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https://www.instagram.com/baydreamerwrites/

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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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. ❤️🇺🇸