Celebrating a Special 1st Anniversary!

On July 30, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Books, Poetry77 Comments

We’re all amazed at how fast time flies, and I continue to be…because it seems like yesterday when my book, Ever So Gently, was first published. This is my 4th book, and after one year has flown by, I’m celebrating with joy the 1st Anniversary of this poetry collection dear to my heart. Not to mention, the beautiful, soft cover painted by my son that paired perfectly with the title and the message within the pages. I want to thank everyone who has bought a copy! I feel so honored by the beautiful reviews I’ve received and all of them, 5-stars.
A Big Thanks to you all! 🙏🙏

I’m sharing a few amazing reviews by Scott, Denise, Selma, and Resa…

Lauren Scott will touch your soul…

Reading Ms. Scott’s poetry is like roaming the pages of a spiritual book and you can feel a connection. Upon picking up this book I first read “Ever So Gently” and felt an instant connection, as I’ve lived such moments myself during bushcrafting adventures, connected to nature and all of creation. As I continue to read, each poem is equally as deep and reveals not only the writers soul, but my own. ~ Scott Mitchell, Photographer and Poet

A beautiful collection…

“Ever So Gently” is a beautiful collection of free verse and symbolic poetry. It is broken into three sections that cover nature, life’s moments, and some author insights. I love nature and I’m drawn to vivid images, but the emotions and insights explored in our shared experiences were equally intriguing. There was a peace within these pages that allowed me to drift off into a poetic slumber when I was done reading. Although I enjoyed the entire collection, here are a few lines that captured my heart. “Fresh raindrops/gently landed/on their wilted spirit/as I witnessed them lifting…”—Wilted Spirits, “You stowed dreams in the clouds,/imaginings rose higher than the heavens…”—First Breath, “Their presence graced my universe beautifully like an endless ceiling of bright blue sky. Then they were gone.”—Friendships Gone, and “Its glow will grow ever so gently/into a bright beacon of hope/rising with the golden sun/bringing clarity to our vision.”—Ever So Gently. A collection that I will be enjoying again and can highly recommend. ~ D. L. Finn, Author of Sounds in the Silence

Reads like an Impressionist painting looks…

This book of gentle poetry reinforces love of family, nature and the mysteries of life. Written in a free style, the poems are organized into 3 sections: The Wisdom of Nature, The Noise, The Laughter, The Chaos and The Loved Ones. Each section breaks from free style at its end and features syllabic poetry. This book is for lovers of poetry who look for words to savour, poems to read over and over and a book to treasure in their collection. Through her writing, Lauren Scott reveals a caring and gentle soul that lives up to the title of her book. ~ Resa McConaghy, Photographer and artist at https://graffitiluxandmurals.com.
For Resa’s full review on her blog, visit https://graffitiluxandmurals.com/2023/08/20/ever-so-gently-by-lauren-scott/.

Read it slowly, and savor it long…

Ever So Gently–A collection of poems by Lauren Scott, a book of 126 pages, is a beautiful collection to savor more than once. In a combination of poetry forms like free verse, haiku and tanka, etheree, shadorma, and others, the Author celebrates family memories and present moments and reflections on where she is in her life today. Read it slowly and feel the words cause your own memories to float to the surface.

The book is divided into three parts: The Wisdom of Nature; The Noise, the Laughter, The Chaos, The Loved Ones; and Lost In Thought. In Part 2, there’s even a poem from the perspective of Copper, her Labrador—a clear indication of the different loves in the Author’s life. Undeniably you will find the words swell your heart with gratitude too.

I recommend Ever So Gently to anyone who knows how to tap into and make much of the happy moments in life. Because life is not always a bed of roses, yet beautiful things happen all the time. Any of the poems will have resonance. What, with language like these excerpts from the book:

“That this routine, though simple to some, would not be the same, would not provide the comforting experience if one of us was not present? I shudder to imagine such a scenario…” ~Toots and Circles

“the soil exhaled and my lantana sang “Hallelujah!” ~ October’s Miracle

“When I reminisce to these years, memories make me pause… to a time when I
witnessed their laughter and tears,” ~The Tiny Town

“a little bit more. I’m sure she knows the amount of residence she claims in my heart.
Then again, it is quite difficult to quantify.” ~A Little Bit More

“Then with the years your adolescence faded like my blue dye, but I stayed loyal.”
~The Blue Down Jacket

“Life is like a package wrapped in festive paper.” ~Darker Than The Deepest Sea

All the poems offered me a tender glimpse into Scott’s life. One calm evening to read through this poetry collection is all I needed to recognize how much I have in common with this Author. That she and her husband are empty nesters puts me right in her shoes. So the poem that will remain tucked safely in my happy place is the following:

“I find comfort in the clothes\ strewn on the floor\ soon to be dumped in the washer,\ wallet lying on the dresser,\ cell charging, bed comforter\ in shambles\because the messiness\ displays his presence.\ Now with air miles accumulated\ back in his time zone,\ the room shines in all its cleanliness,\ the neatness grating on my nerves,\ the silence, a cold shoulder.\ My hand pulls back the comforter,\ tousling, creating wrinkles\ in the navy fabric, then I pull\ some old shirts from the closet,\ tossing them on the floor.\ I can certainly pretend\ he’s just out with friends…”\\ The Mess, p.59

I hope you’re ready for just such a book, serene and enticing, that will speak ever so gently to your soul.
I cannot wait to read more poetry like this from this Author. 5-star from a satisfied customer. ~ Selma Martin, Author of In the Shadow of Rainbows

If you don’t own a copy of Ever So Gently yet, I hope you will soon. It’s never too late! But most of all, my wish is for you to find some poems that you can call your own – poems that resonate to the core. ❤️

I appreciate you joining me in this special celebration! 🎉💫

Thank you from the bottom of my heart! 💙🩵💚

To purchase your copy in paperback or e-book, click ‘Buy on Amazon’ or visit Barnes & Noble, and Kobo where Ever So Gently is also available.

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY, AND THANK YOU FOR STOPPING BY!
HUGS & HAPPY READING,
LAUREN 💜💜

A Fun Collaboration with Resa!

On July 26, 2024July 28, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Art, Poetry177 Comments

Dear Friends,

After almost two months on a break, it’s good to be back because I’ve missed you all, and I hope I haven’t been forgotten. 🙂 Before the break, one of my friends, Resa, and I had decided to collaborate on a post. First of all, if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Resa, you can find her at https://artgowns.com/ & https://graffitiluxandmurals.com/.

We were talking one day about limericks (during my limerick phase) and she suggested adding some artwork with a few that I had written. Thus, the collaboration commenced! Resa is a costume designer of gorgeous gowns. She is a passionate photographer of outdoor ephemeral art. And her artistic talent is incredible, appealing to our emotions as seen in her sketches below.

Two limericks I sent to Resa were about my lovable canine, Copper, who is almost 14 years old. He doesn’t go fast or far anymore, and his hind legs are weakening. But he is the biggest sweetheart with amber eyes that see right into your soul. The other limerick was about blooms because of my love for nature. Then Resa suggested that I find inspiration from her sketches to write some poetic thoughts. This was challenging because of the writer’s block I’ve been up against. But in its own time, inspiration arrived, which turned into shadorma poetry both serious and soothing. Resa’s beautiful artwork inspired, along with our current political climate, and Nature herself.
So, I hope you enjoy our teamwork!

My responses to Resa’s blooms…

Nature’s Therapy

She lounges
in nature’s embrace
in a world
that rages
unsettling to the core
blooms provide comfort

Her country
spins and twists and turns
an outcome
uncharted
she finds a place of respite
reveling in silk

Blooming Comfort

Colors of
nature offer hope
golden, pink,
purple, red
evoking elation for
tomorrow’s sunrise

She sinks her
soul into their hues,
fragrances,
spring softness,
being a part of their world
a setting divine

A Big Thanks to Resa for collaborating with me,
and for sharing her artwork
that enriches our lives! ❤️🌺❤️

And Friends, Thank you for stopping by!
I hope you discovered a takeaway
to enhance your day. 💜💛❤️🩷

New Release: Petals of Haiku – An Anthology!

On June 2, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Anthologies, Book Promotions, Poetry93 Comments

Dear Family and Friends,

I am honored to be a part of this beautiful anthology created, compiled, and edited by Gabriela Marie Milton at Literary Revelations! Over 150 poets with four haiku each are included in Petals of Haiku which is a Top New Release on Amazon, and my copy has arrived! I’ve already immersed myself into the lovely and delicate poetry – truly a beautiful collection!

I sprinkled some pink blooms throughout the post for this joyful occasion, and I recorded two of my haiku for your listening pleasure.

A few words from Gabriela about the Anthology:

Petals of Haiku is not just an anthology that Literary Revelations is proud to publish. It’s a masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of haiku poetry like never before. The spectacular haiku writers featured in this collection bring to life the delicacy of seasons and the profound range of human emotions, from joy to grief, in a way that is both delightful and deeply moving.

The art on the cover by award-winning painter Hikari sets the tone for what awaits inside – a world where words dance off the page and into your heart. The background photo by award-winning Japanese photographer Naoki Kimura adds another layer of beauty to this already exquisite collection.”

To order your copy!

If you’re not familiar with Gabriela’s blog, I’m including some facts to entice you because each time you visit Literary Revelations, it is easy to lose yourself in the beauty through the written word…

We publish most poetry genres: epic, lyric, narrative, or prose poetry. We expect work that dazzles the intellect, and delights the soul; work that makes feelings blossom into symphonies of love, beauty, and sorrow. Interpret the silence. Find the place where love was born, and tears are entombed. Be the voice of prophets. Be the soft whisper of Sakura. Dream, create, suggest. Avoid cliches. Avoid the banal and the explicit, even if both have become trendy. Remember “To define is to kill. To suggest is to create.” (Stéphane Mallarmé). We also publish fiction such as mystery, romance, fantasy, and other types.

Congratulations to Gabriela and to all authors in Petals of Haiku, and thank you, Gabriela, for this amazing opportunity! ❤️

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.
© Gabriela Marie Milton, Literary Revelations – All rights reserved.
Image and All information regarding Petals of Haiku.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you’ve ordered your copy!
Have a lovely week ahead! ❤️

A Symbiotic Relationship

On May 31, 2024May 31, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Photos, Poetry94 Comments

I gently inhale
so not to disturb my friend
a thrilling moment

checkerspot observes
while sipping from the buckeye
I click quietly

buckeye’s pure white blooms
invite the bay checkerspot
for mid-morning drink

a relationship
two partners depend on each
equally to live

our presence caused no
panic to the winged beauty
fortunate for us

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.
Photo: Roy’s Redwoods – I researched and this is the type of butterfly
that is attracted to buckeye trees. More inspiration to write!
Which is your favorite haiku?

Thanks for your visit, and I hope you enjoyed!
Have an awesome weekend! ❤️

*Simply click on the image to purchase your copy. Thank you!*
*And if you enjoyed this collection, I’d appreciate a review.* 💚

Hiking, Basking, Remembering, & Voting!

On May 29, 2024May 29, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Fiction Short Stories, Nominations & Awards, Photos, Poetry111 Comments

If you’ve followed my story, you know that I’ve been dealing with health changes in the last year. And so, the trials commenced figuring out how to manage the pain while maintaining some sense of normalcy in my daily routines. In the beginning, I couldn’t walk long distances. I felt like this basic activity was taken away from me, which was tough to accept. I missed hiking. Well, in February, I had an epidural in my lower back (recommended treatment). Talk about miracles! So, recently, I went on ‘my first hike in the last year’ with my husband. I was able to hike at a moderate clip, and it felt so good to be on the trail again! We went to one of our favorite places, Deer Park, and of course, I had to take photos to document this incredible day where I hiked two miles without pain! I hope you enjoy the pics, and is there ever a time when Nature doesn’t inspire poetry? I don’t think so! These poems are written in Shadorma form!

Forest

Is it so
that some believe the
forest is
not alive?
We are all living creatures
communicating.

Fascination

Standing tall
with architecture
to showcase,
passersby
drop jaws in fascination –
one of nature’s gifts.

Swinging

Stretch the legs
pump with all our might
back and forth
swinging high
while California Bay peeks
with utter delight

Picnic Table memories

Two buddies
slightly underaged
ignore signs
(no malice)
they chug beer and chew the fat,
officer stops by.

Trees

A network
of fungi grows deep
in the roots,
Wood Wide Web
is the label given for
interconnection.

Thank you for joining us on this memorable hike! I’m still doing well, and it’s good to feel good!

Lastly, today is the final day to vote for Nomination of the Month at Spillwords Press! If you missed it, here is my prior post. “Resilience is Her Saving Grace” is my first fiction short story to be published at Spillwords, so this nomination really means a lot, but especially for the vital message it conveys regarding abusive relationships. I am including the story below if you haven’t read it.

Resilience is Her Saving Grace

The tempest held its vigil on the horizon but continued to fool her. Devotion in his eyes mesmerized her whole being, awakened every pulse in her body. Eyes that spoke the language of love where their future glowed like an apricot dawn. She bestowed her heart permission to be swept into his pools of blue…

And yet, every day she anticipates the sting from his hand – the palm or back, makes no difference. The sting smarts like hell, but her heart secures the brunt of the damage. The slaps begin early each morning if she doesn’t move fast enough to appease his caffeine demands. And it’s ironic that he chose ‘chalet’ for his cell alarm because the calming tone contrasts to his horrific demeanor. After he walks through the front door following a day’s work, if she so much as smiles unknowingly to his disliking, his hand finds her cheek, and she feels the strike of skin even before impact. 5 p.m. on the mantel clock makes her heart pound as though trying to make a getaway.

The house that once was a home mirrors a prison. Cameras keep their eyes on her as he watches from his downtown office. Claustrophobia slithers down her spine. She struggles to quell the panic attacks. And her cell is meant only to reach him or to answer his calls. He tracks her like a wild animal. The ring on her finger stole all contact from the outside world – lost like a loved one’s passing. Grieving has no end, but she doesn’t dare misbehave because the pain is relentless.

She recalls the beautiful moments when his hands would send tingles from her neck down the map of her body. What did I do wrong? consumed her every thought when he transformed from loving husband to beast. Thoughts that became so tangled, she couldn’t ruminate until the truth stared her in the face. Her cheeks grew hot like asphalt in August from the realization that the monster had always existed.

Before the perfect couple whispered those two celebrated words on that breezy afternoon, signifying “You are my forever person,” he wore charm impeccably like a well-pressed dress shirt – his kisses intoxicating as jasmine, gentle like summer rain – respect enfolded in each embrace. Then donning satin and lace, the solitaire sparkled like her heart and soul, but true personas can take cover behind convincing eyes and smiles.

How could she have missed the signs? She ponders over and over.

Time – revelations, decisions, and strategies always take time. Her defense, submission, though she loathes appearing weak, and the agony tests her strength. But the path will wend its way, leading her to a door for a fresh start, caressing her bruised face and her body, his punching bag.

Gazing out the window, she watches courage whirl among the cottony clouds. Around the corner, freedom waits with intensity, as though motioning for her to come closer, excited for her new, safe beginning. She witnesses a glimpse of hope in the pink daisy pushing through the crack in the sidewalk.

But biding her time means life, and staying alive is her objective. She must bleed toughly. Resilience is her saving grace and not meant to be scattered on the floor, anymore.
She must be smart to be free.

If you haven’t voted yet, I’m asking for your support, and here is the link to cast your vote: https://spillwords.com/vote/

Thank you again to Dagmara and her team at Spillwords for allowing my writing to reach so many readers. I am grateful beyond words! Not to mention, standing beside the other fabulous nominees!
And a Huge Thanks to you who have already voted! Your support means the world to me!

Thanks so much for stopping by my neck of the woods, and I hope you enjoyed the beauty of nature, along with the significance of perseverance!

Love and hugs,
Lauren ❤️

Season 6 Episode 8: Lauren Scott on A Poet’s Voice with Rebecca Budd on Tea, Toast, & Trivia!

On May 21, 2024May 25, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry97 Comments

Season 6 Episode 8: Lauren Scott on A Poet’s Voice

Dear Family and Friends,

I invite you to visit Rebecca’s blog to listen to our conversation on poetry. You can also find our podcast on Spotify, Facebook, SoundCloud, Instagram, and Mastodon.

Thank you so much, and I hope you enjoy the podcast!

And another Huge Thank you to Rebecca and Don! ❤️

~ Lauren ❤️

Sunrise Calls

On May 18, 2024May 18, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry95 Comments

Saturday – an Acrostic poem

Sunrise calls early, an
Alarm, golden, intense
Tickling with its rays, sending an
Undercurrent to venture outside and
Renew spirits with beauty surrounding.
Dive into nature’s inspiring offerings,
Abandon heavy burdens in mind,
Yesterday becomes today’s gift.

** An acrostic is a piece of writing in which a particular set of letters—typically the first letter of each line, word, or paragraph—spells out a word or phrase with special significance to the text. Acrostics are most commonly written as a form of poetry, but they can also be found in prose or used as word puzzles. While the most common type of acrostic is one formed by the initial letters of each line, there are many different types of acrostics with letters in different positions.

We’re heading for the trail this morning for a hike (my first since dealing with health changes in the last year).
So, if you can, get outdoors to inhale the fragrance of nature and enjoy!

Have a lovely Saturday and weekend!
Lauren ❤️❤️

Angles of Wisdom

On May 14, 2024May 15, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry, Poetry readings94 Comments

Angles of Wisdom

My eyes look up to the tallest trees
on our precious planet
and I am drawn into stillness
like a hypnotist’s magic

Fine slivers of blue calm many thoughts
becoming thieves,
stealing pockets of peace
that wish to bring essential balance

Soft clusters of green gently dance in a breeze
while nature’s wildlife
build their homes and playgrounds

Sparrows and blackbirds croon for their mates
I ruminate on how these majestic giants
take care of each other, unconditionally
We should emulate without deliberation

My eyes look up and I am reminded
of their age ancient as dinosaurs
that roamed the land

Angles of wisdom permeate my space
My eyes slowly close
I breathe in and savor this moment
that is mine to own.