Back in December, Looking forward to, and Welcome February!

On February 1, 2025February 1, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Celebrations, Discussion, Poetry76 Comments

***Copper gets colder in his older years,***
***so he appreciates the extra warmth.***

Back in December

There I sat, sipping Chardonnay, reading Celebrating Poetry by Cindy Georgakas, background noise was college football on the tube. I heard my husband cheering for his team. We sat together for an hour, talking about our days and the Christmas holiday to come. Couldn’t wait to see the kids. Then I wanted to get back to the book, and football was calling his name loud and clear.

I sat there as my dog snored, curled up on his gray, plush bed, the heat purred, keeping us warm, and the multi-colored lights on the Christmas tree glistened, occasionally winking at me.

A peaceful night – some would say unexciting. Ahh, but it’s the simple pleasures that become the biggest blessings…

After a January that brought shocking tragedy, the simple things become true gifts. For on that night in December, I had a loving husband to share an evening of wine and conversation, another holiday to celebrate, my senior puppy, heat to keep us warm, a roof over our head, a live Christmas tree to enchant us, music on our retro stereo, a great book to get lost in, a TV for entertainment at our fingertips, and homemade lasagna in the oven…

And so, as a new month begins, we continue to take one day at a time, to keep the victims of those tragedies in our hearts, to not let hope get lost in the shuffle of chaos, and to remember that we are fortunate to have these huge blessings.

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I shared my 5-star review of Cindy’s beautiful book in a prior post, so please check it out if you missed it.

Click on the image to purchase
your copy. 🙏

Recently, Cindy was kind enough to surprise me with her wonderful review of my book, Cora’s Quest. So, please allow me to relish in her delightful words:

5.0 out of 5 stars Capture your inner child or your child’s heart
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2025
Verified Purchase

First of all, the cover is endearing and the story of Cora will surely delight every child that sits on your lap with wide open eyes, begging you to read it again and again. The best news is you will enjoy reading it to them when they say, “again” after the 10th time. Lol. I have 2 grandchildren 17 months old and both of them love “reading this book” (moreover, pointing at the different critters in the book). These are cherished moments when they are soaking in the world around them in these precious and formulating years and what better way than to introduce them to adventure and the trials and tribulations of life when veering off the path. Although they don’t understand this concept yet, they love turning the pages and haven’t ripped one yet. That is truly a win. In the meantime, the illustrations are beautiful and captivating as they are learning to talk and say “deer”. My hats off to you Lauren on a new genre which is near and “deer” (pun intended) to our hearts! I highly recommend stocking up on them for birthday parties etc.
~Cindy Georgakas

Thank you again, Cindy, for this wonderful review! I am thrilled that not only your grandchildren loved ‘reading’ about Cora, but that you loved the story and illustrations too! 🙏

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Subject change…Do you have an event coming up that you’re looking forward to? Let me know in the comments because I do! Four months ago, I registered for a writer’s conference, and it seemed like years away. All of a sudden, it’s next week, Thursday through Sunday, and I’ll be staying at the hotel for the entire conference. I can’t wait to soak up information and gain more knowledge from the workshops I’ll be attending. This is my first writer’s conference, so I’ll finally be able to check it off my bucket list. I’m sure I’ll share with you some great takeaways later this month! ✍🏻

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Changing the subject again…When each month ends, do you sing the same old tune like I do? “I can’t believe another month has passed by!” And here we are, Welcome February – the month of hearts and love, but not only for the romantic soul, but love for families, friends, and for all people! I’ve always loved hearts and all kinds of jewelry: silver, gold, a variety of gem stones, etc., so here are a few hearts that I wear…

As you move on from here, I hope love resides in your heart, joy blossoms, and challenging times lessen. I know it’s tough to keep up while reading all the amazing blog posts in this warm community, so please know that I appreciate you stopping by my corner of blogland in your busy schedule!
Enjoy your weekend and stay safe in all you do!

~ Lauren ❤️

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

The end of a blog break with New Year’s musings!

On January 23, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Celebrations, Poetry102 Comments

Dear Friends,

How are you??? I can’t believe a month has passed by since I began my blog break! The holidays were magical, and I read a lot! I had so many books lined up from my friends here in blogland, so I took the opportunity to dive in! One by one, I was enchanted by evocative poetry, hooked by compelling fiction and fantasy, and moved by an inspirational memoir. In my next post, I will share those wonderful books. I also wrote reviews and posted them on Amazon and Goodreads, which felt good to help my fellow authors. Anyway, the photo above was from watching (from the comfort of our sofa) the Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year’s Day. And the poem that I’m sharing below was written in December prior to the fire devastation in Los Angeles that began early January.

December Musings

I didn’t need mistletoe
on New Year’s Eve
to touch my lips to his
nor an array of gifts
resting beneath
the Christmas tree
I have a roof that shelters
from winter’s rage
and cools from summer’s
hot embrace

The stars dance each evening
in the vast sky above
They shimmer and shine
for all eyes to see –
fathers and mothers
sons and daughters
aunts and uncles
sisters and brothers –
for you and for me.

A new year has arrived,
the calendar tells us so
I wish the holiday spirit
would continue through the seasons
Let it flow! Let it flow!

How lovely for children’s laughter
to be music filling our days
and love for All people
to be the purpose of our ways…

My words still ring true, but our hearts ache for those lives that have literally been turned upside down because of the fires. The devastation looks unreal, but to everyone affected, it’s a living hell. For lives lost, for homes burned to the ground. The victims remain in our hearts. We have donated, and I hope everyone helps in any way possible. ❤️

While watching the news and staying informed with heavy hearts, we also celebrated this week…Cheers to 36 years of ‘happily ever after’ for my husband and I – 37 years together! And to think a refrigerator linked our paths! 😊 Life has presented us with an abundance to celebrate, but also hurdles to jump when things happened out of our control. Matt and I would jump those hurdles all over again hand in hand. Happy 36th to us, and to many more anniversaries to come! ❤️🎉🥂

A random thought…I pass by a mural often, reminding myself that someday I should stop and get a picture. Well, that ‘someday’ came. I took this in such a hurry though that I forgot to get the artist’s name. But I love the joy of nature this artwork displays. Does this mural make you wish for spring? 🌻

And lastly, if you recall from last month, I was dealing with a big hiccup regarding my paperback of Cora’s Quest. It was ‘out of stock’ and ‘on hold’ with the company I published it through, and because this occurred during the holidays, it was beyond frustrating. Well, it’s fixed! The image pages needed to be upgraded to a premium color level at no additional cost to me, so it’s all good, even though the wait was infuriating. Cora’s Quest is back in business, available in paperback (recommended for the full magical experience) and in e-book version.

For those of you who ordered the paperback and had to wait, have you received your copies? Thank you for your patience! And to those of you who have read, loved Cora’s adventure, and shared your 5-star reviews, Thank You, Thank You!!! Please consider sharing a review if you loved the book. Reviews are like hugs to Indie Authors! If you haven’t read about Cora yet, her story isn’t just for little ones; all ages will appreciate the important message found in the midst of Cora’s lively forest.

***Click on the link to purchase your copy. xo***

“A wonderfully uplifting story of lessons learned and the power of love. I recommend it for children and adults of all ages!” Award-winning Jan Sikes

Thank you for taking the time to pop in, and I look forward to reading your posts again!

Happy New Year,
Lauren 💖

Last post for 2024: Merry Christmas! 🎄⭐️❄️

On December 20, 2024December 22, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Holidays, Poetry69 Comments

Dear Family and Friends,

This will be my last post for the year, then I’ll be going offline until January. It’s been a great 12 months with my health improving, many adventures throughout, and concluding with the publication of Cora’s Quest (even with the current snafu). I love spending time with all of you on your blogs, reading your beautiful poetry and stories, oohing and ahhing at your stunning photos, and traveling vicariously through your virtual itineraries. The support I receive for my writing and books is so appreciated, even I can’t find the words!

I searched high and low for my muse, but she has already departed on holiday vacation, so I didn’t write anything new for today. I’m sharing instead a poem that seems to circle back now and then. I hope you enjoy again, or for the first time. I included an audio as well for your listening pleasure. 🥰

***An older photo of Copper enjoying the warmth.***

A Christmas Soliloquy

The noble fir smells heavenly
Pervading throughout the room
Lights twinkle in red and green
Adding to its festive costume.

Stockings embellish the mantel
Eager to be filled with treats
Garland graces letters in gold
Spelling out P.E.A.C.E.

Dangling to model icicles,
White lights sparkle on eaves
Ornaments shimmer on branches
All this, the stuff of dreams.

But can dreams still come true
When years become displeasing?
Amidst the tears and heartache,
Is there room for believing?

I have faith that joy weaves
Its way through the pain
Angels keep watch while Love
Is the magic that remains.

I don’t know your story
The details are yours alone
But I do wish you Happiness
That you may seize and truly own…

As we listen to the marching rhythm
Of the exultant Christmas drum
For these holidays upon us
And for the New Year to come.

© Lauren Scott

I also hope you’ll forgive another (subtle) plug for my book, Cora’s Quest…the good thing is it’s not a Christmas story, so children (and adults) can enjoy reading about Cora anytime of the year! The paperback is still out of stock (hopefully, not for much longer), but the e-book is available. So, you can wait for the paperback or you can purchase the e-book and read about Cora immediately.
If you choose to add my first children’s book to your home library, thank you in advance! 🙏

“I thought your message to children through Cora was outstanding, a lesson that even adults wrestle with. Get out of of our comfort zone because overcoming our fears is one of the most overpowering feelings in life.”
~ Pete Springer from petespringerauthor.wordpress.com

A Huge Thank You for visiting my cozy corner in WordPress, and I wish you all a peaceful holiday filled with nothing but joy. The holidays aren’t always happy for everyone though, so if you’re struggling in some way, I hope you have support to help you find even a tiny ray of light. I want nothing but harmony and magic to fill your days during this month of December and in each day to come.
Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzaa to those who celebrate as well!
I’ll respond to comments if you’re kind enough to leave one.
Sending virtual hugs! ❤️🎄🙏

Click on the image to purchase
your copy. ***Thank you!***🎄❤️

https://on.soundcloud.com/6yj8b4FHhoiX8Dgh7

A Tanka Christmas

On December 17, 2024December 22, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry78 Comments

I hope you enjoy my series of tanka poems for this holiday season, and I might have veered away from the rules a few times. So, good thing I’m not being graded. 😁 Enjoy ,and I wish you all a peaceful and happy holiday season!

This jingle jolly
season delights young hearts as
they bake cookies for
the white-bearded man in red
joy through the eyes of children

Christmas carols play
on the old record player
while snowflakes fall in
slow motion and candles sway
to the festive melodies

Hustle and bustle
begins after Thanksgiving
for shopping galore
but commercialism slays
the magic, so stay focused

I grew up learning
about a baby boy born
on this Christmas day
who would become a teacher
of unconditional love

‘Tis the season to
be with family and friends
bringing joy to hearts
for their company is the
best gift of all to receive

Lights twinkle on homes
when evening accommodates
all aglow in their
shimmering reds, greens, and golds
uplifting somber spirits

flour on faces
enjoyment in the blending
snowmen, bells, Christmas
trees frosted and sprinkled with
love sweetens gift of giving

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Do you have a favorite tanka? Do any resonate with you?

An older pic of me Christmas tree
shopping. 🙂

***Christmas baking sprinkled with love.***

New Release! Click on the image to purchase
your copy perfect for underneath
the Christmas tree. 🎄❤️

Saturday Smiles & A Lot Going On!

On December 14, 2024December 14, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews, Celebrations, Poetry84 Comments

Do you feel like the world is out of control?
Do you need a smile?
I found an old poem that might just cheer you up…

Bananas

Swinging from the chandelier
I’m overwhelmed from toes to ear
I know it’s time to walk the frog
Can’t just sit, type, and blog
I’d love to dye my hair bright red
I’d love to go right back to bed
Reaching for the coffee cup
Time to fill and pet the pup
In the wind, I feel so free
Would you like a cup of tea?
I’d love to swim and read a book
It’s five o’clock, what shall I cook?
Staring at the vacuum cleaner
I wonder why the fish are meaner
Planets aren’t aligned at all
Let’s go shopping at the mall
Don’t be bothered by the styles
I could talk and talk for miles!

Are you smiling? I hope so!

Along with smiles and laughter, we need to remember that each day is a gift and worth celebrating. I was recently reminded of this when I visited Steve’s blog, Song of the Day, where he shares a new song each day, writes about its history, then shares his thoughts on the meaning of the lyrics. On a recent post, he reshared the 1971 hit song, “I Just Want to Celebrate,” by the American rock band Rare Earth. Steve asked, “Every day is a good day to celebrate something, right?”
When you listen to the song, you’ll definitely feel like getting outa your chair and groovin’ to the movin’ and celebrating! By the way, if you haven’t met Steve, pay him a visit. Not only is he a nice guy, but if you’re a music lover, you’ll enjoy learning about songs and bands you’ve never heard of or listening to your favorites again!

I mentioned a lot going on, and there is!
Yes, it’s me again,
promoting the release of Cora’s Quest ,
and celebrating the wonderful reviews rapidly coming in!

I can’t begin to thank enough the friends who have helped spread the word about my first children’s book – a collaboration with my amazing nephew, Chris, who created the enchanting, vibrant illustrations. So, this is where ‘a lot going on’ comes into play…below are several more examples of the awesome support I’ve received:

Carol Anne at therapybits.com blogs about her life, focusing on therapy and the process of going through psychotherapy. She is also a wonderful writer of poetry that touches the heart, and she was gracious to post about my book here to help with the promotion.

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Denise from dlfinn.com is the author of Miracles and Ghosts: A Christmas Collection which I highly recommend! A collection of short stories perfect for the holiday season. She included Cora’s Quest in her post: Books that Changed Me: 2024 Winter Edition where she highlights a fraction of the books that she enjoyed by sharing her beautiful reviews. The other fabulous authors spotlighted are Joan Hall, Staci Troilo, Jan Sikes, and Linda Broday.

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
D. L. Finn

Cora’s Quest is a sweet story about a deer’s family outing. Cora is enjoying the forest until things change quickly, and now she needs to find her courage. A fantastic story to read to your little ones or for young readers to enjoy. The illustrations are beautiful and full of color, and the story is woven into a lesson that will resonate with children and their families. Here is an engaging passage: “An owl hoots/from its lofty perch./ The wind howls,/swirling around Cora./Grunts and growls/in the distance/steal her courage!/ They act like thieves!” I can easily recommend this story for young readers and those who read to them.

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Cindy at uniquelyfitblog.com is the author of Celebrating Poetry, a companion guide to her book, Re-Create and Celebrate. I read her first book and highly recommend it, and I have her second book on my bookcase waiting to be read very soon. I already know that I’ll enjoy it as much as the first. She has a generous heart when it comes to helping fellow authors, so she shared an amazing group of book releases here in her blog post, while celebrating the success of Celebrating Poetry. The other fabulous authors featured are an anthology by Aspiring Blog , Dawn Pisturino, Pamela S. Wight & Neville N. Hill.

Cindy’s book is on sale for the holidays:

Links For Purchase:

Ebooks are now only 2.99 on Amazon

Paperback is 9.99 available on Amazon.

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Darlene at darlenefoster.wordpress.com is the author of the delightful Amanda Travel Series, and her recent book is Amanda in Scotland. I am almost finished and have truly enjoyed traveling to Scotland with Amanda. I’ve read a few of the other Amanda adventures, so I can highly recommend this series. She posted her 5-star review for Cora’s Quest on Amazon and Goodreads while celebrating the success of Amanda in Scotland.

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darlene Foster

An adorable book about a young deer who questions her courage. The illustrations are delightful and the story has a lovely message. A perfect gift for a little one in your life, one that would be fun to read together too. I can see a child wanting to read this story over and over.

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Dr. Vicki at victoriaponders.com is the author of Surviving Sue: An inspirational survivor’s story about a daughter and her life with a mother who was riddled with alcoholism, Alzheimer’s, anxiety, depression, and Munchausen’s. I have the paperback and look forward to reading this powerful and emotional story. I love Vicki’s writing and the way she thinks just by reading her blog posts, so I know her story will go straight to my heart. She recently wrote an inspirational blog post that is a balm to the soul. She wove her inspiring message into children’s literature in which she included my book, Cora’s Quest, and Goldie A. Poligee & the Three Bears by Joanie Becker Goldberg. Check out her blog post here!

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Dawn Pisturino at dawnpisturino.wordpress.com is the author of Sun Haiku: 365 Days of Sunshine, which I will begin to read soon. I’ve read several of Dawn’s books and love them all! Her evocative poetry draws her readers in deeply. She shared her beautiful review of Cora’s Quest here, so check it out, and you’ll also find out more about Dawn’s books!

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dawn Pisturino

This charming new children’s book by poet Lauren Scott tells the story of a little fawn who gets lost in the woods, finds herself vulnerable and alone, and discovers her inner strength and courage. Written for children ages 2 – 5 years old, this story teaches children the importance of remaining calm and focused when faced with uncertainty. The illustrations by Chris Mendez will delight any child. If your child or grandchild likes Bambi, he or she will adore this book.

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I mentioned Diana Wallace Peach at mythsofthemirror.com in this blog post because she read my book the day it was released and reviewed it right away, gifting Cora with a 5-star review! But I want to announce that she has a new book on preorder now which will go live on January 2nd: Tale of the Season’s Weaver. Diana writes incredible fantasy books, and she is the fantasy writer who converted me!

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All of the authors mentioned in this post are talented, beautiful, and amazing writers! They know how to weave words that appeal to all senses. I am honored to be included in the mix and to receive such warm support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! ❤️

I know this post is longer than usual, so if you’ve read from beginning to end, I appreciate you taking the time. I also encourage you to visit the posts I highlighted and peruse around the blogs I shared!

All of the blog links and anywhere you see ‘here’ are clickable. WP was acting snarky, but they all work. I conclude with a poem from my latest poetry collection, Ever So Gently, that ties in with gratitude:

7 am

The sun slowly opens
its sleepy eyes
The neighborhood
still breathes
soft breaths

Not a soul
Not a sound

We own this morning
this moment is ours

Tranquility flows
through our veins
We exhale gratitude
Another miracle
reveals itself
in the creation
of a new dawn.

🔆🔆🔆

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And don’t forget to add books to your shopping list! You can click on all images to purchase your copy! Poetry, Fiction, Adventure, Travel, Fantasy, Memoir, and Children’s Literature! It’s all here! 💝

I look forward to some quiet time with a cup of tea or coffee and diving into the wonderful books waiting to be read. What a great problem to have, too many books! 💖

Thank you for spending time with me, and I wish you a wonderful weekend and a peaceful holiday season! 💞

New Release! Click on the image to purchase
your copy! ❤️🙏

For All That Was Lost Has Been Found & More Exciting News that brings Gratitude!

On December 8, 2024December 8, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Poetry69 Comments

As the year slowly or rapidly (depending on perspective) comes to a close, I thought to share this poem again. A poem reminding us that each day is a gift, and those who love us and Nature herself are precious gifts. I hope you enjoy for a second time around if you’ve already read it earlier in the year.

For All That Was Lost Has Been Found

When the sun descends behind emerald, rolling hills
and evening offers all that it owns, my husband falls
into a serious slumber in a matter of seconds – I am envious.
It takes more than seconds for my mind to shut down,
for thoughts to pause for an evening’s repose.

The flowers in our garden turn in for the night,
and the smiles in their blooms wait for dawn’s greeting.
Critters burrow in their homes, although darkness calls some
to come out and play and we miss the show.
Our dreams carry us through minutes and hours
until night bids farewell,
the cue for morning to slide into her spotlight.

And when she does, we witness again the glorious sun
rising over those rolling hills,
one more sky where clouds stay hidden,
one more kiss from each other,
the one who accelerates our heartbeats…
when our children are home, they gift us with another hug,
age is irrelevant…from babies to adults,
their hugs are priceless like the moment we draw a new breath.

And don’t forget how nature delights with her offerings…
our feathered friends sing their wake-up chorus of joy,
bushy-tailed squirrels skitter along redwood fence tops.
How do their tiny feet not miss a step,
tumbling their little bodies to the ground?

So, we wipe the sleep from our eyes, gratitude flows through our veins,
for all that was lost in the darkness has been found on this fresh, magnificent day.

© Lauren Scott

On another note, I was honored to be included in Diana’s November book reviews. Diana shares excellent monthly reviews on her blog, Myths of the Mirror. She read Cora’s Quest the first day and gave Cora 5 glowing stars. You can visit her here to read her wonderful review and those of several other great books perfect for shopping for the holiday season. Thanks again, Diana! 🙏

Diana Wallace Peach – mythsofthemirror
Author of The Necromancer’s Daughter

Today, I’m honored to be included in Sally’s roundup post which you can find here. Sally at Smorgasbord Blog Magazine is so kind and generous by helping other authors promote their new books. So, I am truly grateful, and as I told her, the happy dance continues, and in Cora’s case, it’s a happy deer dance! 😁

Sally Cronin – smorgasbordblogmagazine
Author of Size Always Matters

I’m sure most indie authors would agree that promoting books isn’t fun. But we only have ourselves, and family and friends who offer to help out. So, thank you for reading, and if you’ve bought a copy of Cora’s Quest, Chris and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts. 💞

Wishing you all a lovely day and week ahead,
Lauren ❤️

New Release! Click on the image if you’d like
to purchase a copy! ❤️🙏

Truce

On November 21, 2024November 21, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry111 Comments

The vast space of emptiness
will never feel right
Communication sustains
but the heart feels short-lived relief
no room for logic
the heart carries a stubborn streak

Moments missed
Hours missed
Days missed
fleeting of time
The miles from here to there,
like a ball of yarn unraveling
over hills, through valleys
getting snagged on jagged edges
along the way

In a daze,
I’m slowly slipping
down a rabbit hole
about to surrender
the very best of my soul
where darkness cloaks
itself around me
Air, no longer reality

Sadness befalls the world outside
as sky-falling tears slam the earth
I’m tumbling with them in a frenzy
The first teardrop rolls down my face
leaving a chill in its wake
before disappearing beneath my jaw
My back slides down the wall
I’m drenched in sobs

Then reason meets my reflection
I challenge my emotions
because pain trails closely behind –
I’m inviting stress, and
I can’t handle one more ache
Does this make me selfish?

Humans are complicated
Emotions are complicated

Some days, the golden sphere
dazzles me into dancing
Some days, the shadowy sky
lures me into that daze
I can feel my heart breaking
I can feel each piece tear away
I won’t have strength
to sweep up the mess…

but this love is stronger than I ever thought I could feel
a love in my heart that will need to be the glue…
it is what it is ‘till it isn’t anymore
maybe someday…
until then, the vast space and I will need to reach a truce.

Where are the Children?

On November 18, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Poetry117 Comments

I’m feeling a bit nostalgic, reminiscing to when I was a little girl – how I stayed entertained in the sixties. This is when the memory box in my brain comes in handy…

My friends and I used to play school outside on the sidewalk in front of our corner house with three birch trees standing proud on the lush lawn. A big chalkboard took up a fair amount of sidewalk and they elected me to be the teacher. And when school became boring and brains tired out, we’d make a splash in my kidney-shaped pool pretending to be mermaids. How fun it was to dive deep and touch the drain or jump off of the diving board! Then we’d dry off on the grass while playing ‘Operation’ and eating tangerines from our tree. Nothing like trying to manage those surgical tweezers with sticky fingers to avoid the buzz!

When my son and daughter were little, they had a blast playing hide and seek with other kids on our quiet block. They loved riding their cool bikes and scooters. My husband and I also took them roller skating where we all tried our best to ‘roller dance’ to the upbeat tunes. Fun times had by children and parents!

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Innovation is meant to bring convenience for the human race. I appreciate convenience, but with the good also comes the bad. Unfortunately, there’s an abundance of negative aspects to technology, such as with social media – not only for youth, but also for adults.

So, I miss the old times. When I wanted to talk to loved ones or friends, I picked up the phone and dialed. Remember rotary dialing? Then came push buttons. And what about those cords that coiled up like angry snakes? When cordless phones were invented, they brought freedom. I could walk and talk on the phone without worrying about the annoying cord dictating my whereabouts!

Families gathered at dining tables and chatted about their days, sharing highs and lows. My family participated in this routine every night for dinner when the kids were young. Even as they grew older (when their extra curricular schedules allowed) the tradition continued because Matt and I wanted them to feel like they could talk to us about anything. I’m thankful that communication has never been an issue with the four of us. In fact, many times we’re talking over each other because we all have something to say!

In those simpler times, friends used to hang out, talking and laughing. They didn’t congregate on sofas or around tables with heads down and eyes glued to screens, fingers tapping away. Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok didn’t steal their loyalty. They actually paid attention to each other.

Children’s laughter used to echo down the street, swirling around the trees. Well, that laughter no longer flows in through the windows of my home like a joyful melody.

Where are the children? Are they tucked inside their homes, scrolling on social media? Could be.

This being said, I enjoy the screen as much as anyone. I’m sure you can assume that while I work on this post, a screen stares back at me. However, I think those simpler times were the best of times. Living without the option to blog and form the wonderful connections with you all would be missed, but I could easily live without social media. I’m grateful that my daughter and son didn’t grow up with cell phones until later in high school. Even those were flip phones, offering zero access to the internet. Besides phone calls, good old fashioned letter writing was the glue for staying connected. I still love sending cards and an occasional letter via snail mail.

I can only imagine how difficult it is to find that magical balance of letting your kids enjoy technology in their generation while also maintaining some semblance of control for their safety.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com – finding that perfect balance

Do you find technology challenging while raising your children?
Do you remember the old days?
Do you miss them?

Below is a poem from my book, Ever So Gently, which ties into this topic:

Giggles

I can still elicit memories
of when our block teemed
with giggles
echoing in the distance,
the tapping of shoes on asphalt.
Remember hide and seek?
They’d take cover
behind bushes,
parked cars, corner fences.
But where are they now?
Where have all the children gone?
Giggles and footsteps
are silent, and yet,
not one for sale sign
sits in a front yard.
Perhaps, sneaky screens
stole that amusement,
those precious moments
spent outdoors
under the clear sky,
even in rain’s gentlest
sprinkling,
but weather, irrelevant,
the friendships mattered.