Today, I am more than excited to be featured on Resa’s blog. If you know Resa, you’ll understand how her words about my poetry collection fit exquisitely. Here’s a glimpse of what she felt:
“I read the poems in order, but not at first. Deciding to try a different approach, I dove into the book like it was a box of chocolates. I read whatever poem in any order, as the fancy lead. Yet, as delicious as it all was; it’s more than confection.
It’s like collecting beautiful fabrics and trims. Poems were read, materials collected and a pattern designed. When the poems were over, they had draped a rich, beautifully adorned gown over my spirit.”
To read the full interview with her gorgeous images and creativity, please visit her post.
It has been a wild, exciting ride with the launch of my new book and all the wonderful support I’ve been given. But in the midst of the excitement, my father-in-law has been on hospice for almost two weeks, and it’s been tough, to say the least. A surreal time, waiting for the inevitable. But his large support circle ensures that he is comfortable and loved, which is most important.
Before he started to decline, we already had our backpacking trip reserved in the Sierra Mountains, but with his encouragement, we are still going. Although, due to my foot issue, we decided that I shouldn’t push it. My foot has been cooperating, but I’d hate to overdo it and take five steps backwards. So, we’re camping. We’ll be relaxing by the lake, surrounded by ponderosa pines and nature’s warm embrace. And this is really what we need. My brother-in-law will ‘hold down the fort’ while we’re gone. He also told us to go. “Dad wants you to enjoy the adventure.” We will have our Spot X satellite device though to stay in touch. And obviously, if something changes before we plan to leave, we won’t go. Always ‘one day at a time.’
So, I’ll be offline next week and will return the following week of the 21st. The photo above is from one of our trips to our favorite Sierra lake, and the poem below is in my book and one I wrote while sitting on the shore in the company of the smooth water, and journal and pen (and hubby, of course.)
The Sun Knows
Evening advances. The shore wears nothing but a few rocks scattered on its sand. In their quiet space, a father and son hold fishing lines hoping their luck will lift. A lone sailboat glides by pausing for the unfolding. With hair the color of an egret, an older man leans against a stump.
Clouds understand why we wait. A fine yellow highlighter has delicately outlined their smooth edges. Occasionally, trout jump out of the still water, only a few ripples show their excitement.
Then suddenly the sky explodes in tangerines, salmons, canary yellows – brighter with every second. It’s as though a painter swished her brush back and forth on the immense backdrop, to the left, to the right, repeating with the grace of an orchestra leader. Can the sun slipping behind downy clouds be more spectacular?
The blog tour will continue when I return and I have to share two more beautiful reviews:
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 – Lauren Scott will touch your soul.5 stars
What an endearing gathering of short poems, some written as Haiku and other syllabic poetry, but all comforting, calming, restorative. Presented in three sections, these verses pose the wonder of nature, the love of family, even the delight of a pet. An elegant medley. ~ Joy Neal Kidney – An endearing collection.5 stars
I am humbled and grateful for these lovely reviews, and I want to thank you all for the ‘book’ support, the visits, the comments, and the love. So, have a Fabulous week! Stay well and Be happy!
I am delighted to be featured on Balroop Singh’s blog today, Emotional Shadows, as the blog tour continues for my latest release, Ever So Gently. Balroop shares her stunning review that has me over the moon! Please visit her blog if you haven’t already met Balroop. She is a fabulous poet!
And I’m sharing the book trailer again below that Robbie Cheadle created with my photos:
Balroop’s 5-Star review:
Scott’s poetry celebrates memories and moments in her latest collection – ‘Ever So Gently.’ Her connection with the surroundings blends into the wisdom of nature that unfolds through stunning imagery like: “hear the rustle of a skittering squirrel,” “petals of velvet invite raindrops to bask in their peach enchantment,” and “breeze carries burdens down rivers.”
From the birds that ‘flit and flutter’ to build their nest to the owl who proclaims his presence with his ‘high-pitched toots’ and the hummingbirds that flutter around the “bright pink petals” – all find a place of honor in this book to delight your moods. Lauren’s realism captivates and appeals to all the senses. Some of her poems express profound love that we cherish and yearn for – she tells you how valuable that love has been in her life.
From ‘The Peach Rose’ to ‘Firestorm’ and not to forget ‘I Was Adopted,’ her poetry slides most naturally on the wide canvas of creativity. However, poems that speak of love, of growing up and bonding are the ones that touched my heart. Who can ever forget ‘The Old Afghan,’ which is most relatable!
I haven’t read a more beautiful description of sunset – “The sky explodes in tangerines, salmons, canary yellows – brighter with every second. It’s as though a painter swished her brush back and forth…” Some more examples of Scott’s brilliant style: “And water hasnt caressed the hills The earth, parched like Chile’s Atacama.” “Silk-thread drizzles dusted rooftops and parched hills.” “How he tenderly tiptoed through the syllables.”(I could feel the poignancy of the emotion)
A combination of free verse and syllabic poetry like haiku, tanka, etheree, shadorma etc. this is a lovely collection of poetry. Read it slowly to savor each emotion.
Thank you again, Balroop! ❤️
My book is available in paperback and e-book versions.
If you’ve already bought a copy, Thank you! And if you’re currently reading my collection, I hope you’re enjoying it and discovering the reward of living ever so gently. And just a gentle reminder that book reviews are like hugs to Indie Authors, so your ‘hug’ would be greatly appreciated. 🙏🏻
Thank you for stopping by and for your support! Visit Balroop’s posthere.
I am thrilled to announce the release of my new poetry collection, Ever So Gently! But first let me tell you the meaning behind the title…
I had organized this 90-poem collection into three parts: Nature, Love, and Life, and yet a book title still remained in hiding. And then one of my poems stood out titled, “Ever So Gently” and it’s as though a lightbulb turned on. Everything clicked. Then I began to ponder how we live each day. It’s easy to live ‘gently’ when things happen according to our plans. But what if they don’t? What if heartache befalls us? Do we react ‘gently’ or do we press the panic button? I’ve done both, but I’m trying to focus on ‘gentle.’ And while in this mindset, I thought of the love my heart has felt, the tranquility and companionship of nature, and the good and not so good that life has tossed my way. So, I offer you the beginning of my introduction in the book…
“Ever So Gently expresses the gentle demeanor in which I welcome nature’s offerings. The gentle way in which I should react to life’s challenges. The gentle grace in my heart full of gratitude for the love in my life. For the support of family and friends through every stumble and celebration. When I witness another sunrise, I remember to breathe and live gently. But succeeding in ‘gentle’ may not happen around the clock, so if I slip up, I will try again.“
Fun fact: My son offered to create a book cover for me, so I told him that I wanted an organic design unlike my prior book covers, and I wanted soothing, gentle colors: pastel blues, greens, a little white. Bodies of water came to mind, a freshwater lake, a gentle flowing river, or the calming of the sea. So, to my surprise, instead of using the computer, he painted the cover on canvas. I couldn’t be more ecstatic with the beautiful, gloss paperback cover. Thank you, Michael!
AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK AND E-BOOK VERSIONS.
Book Blurb:
In Ever So Gently, Lauren Scott shares her strong link to nature, taking the reader on a tranquil walk through a redwood grove. You’ll find an invitation to sit quietly on a patio, captivated by the simple beauty of a hummingbird. She’ll entice you to revel on the shore of a freshwater lake, mesmerized by its stunning beauty.
Scott shares how love has shaped her life. From that first delicious kiss to celebrating decades of marriage through a love that deepens over time. How her heart melted when she became a mom, then ached when her children started their adult lives across country. And how her adorable canine companions found their way into her heart.
Scott underscores how life presents mysteries we struggle to solve. We can’t help but ponder the deeper meaning of a simple vision. She prompts you to reminisce and reflect on your past, present, and future. Through the ups and downs, what matters most is to love and live ever so gently.
I am so grateful to Robbie Cheadle for creating the incredible book trailer below with my photos. I get goosebumps each time I view and listen. Thank you, Robbie!
And Thank You to Diana W. Peach for reading my book early and posting a beautiful 5-star review (below):
When I read Scott’s poetry, I know I’ll unearth thoughts and feelings deeply personal to her life, reflections that will undoubtedly resonate with mine. The experience of what it is to be human, the shared longings and losses, and the way love shapes our days is the thread that ties this collection together.
This book of about 90 poems is divided into three parts. The first is a peaceful exploration of nature; the second, Scott’s appreciation of the many forms of love in her life; and finally, a series of poems on a broader scope of thoughts. They’re all lovely and positive with an underlying theme of love and appreciation. This is a feel-good collection of both free-form and syllabic poetry that I’m delighted to recommend.
A few favorites: “The Hummingbird’s Quest” (from the section on nature). “The World is Broken,” “If the Universe would Share,” and “Mom’s Plea” (from the section on loved ones). “Maybe,” and “Other Worlds” (from the section on broader reflections). A romantic beauty:
The Giver
He pulls me into myself so I may see qualities he loved from the beginning though his perception runs deeper – mine, a trace of clouds, then he lifts my heart and soul to the starlit sky where our dreams become us.
Another favorite of Diana’s:
The Hummingbird’s Quest
We hold our breath. Its wings flutter at a possible eighty times per second, so we’ve read.
It closes the distance between us, and we know it eyes the dangling rosy petals. But below those blossoms lies the sleeping dog. He wouldn’t be the least bit interested in the winged creature, but the winged creature doesn’t know this to be true.
And so, we watch our tiny friend flit to within a few feet of the blooms, then disappointment lands in our thoughts as it retreats to the maple, camouflaged to the naked eye.
If only it could be brave. If only it knew there was no threat below from the eighty-pound sleeping beast. In fact, the beast quietly snores, and we are confident he is dreaming of squirrels.
Robbie and Diana, along with these wonderful friends, are going to help promote my bookin their special, creative ways:
So, stay tuned! 🎉🎉 And, of course, I hope “Ever So Gently“finds itself gently resting on your coffee table or in your device. But another wish is that you discover the reward of living ever so gently. 💜
Thanks for stopping by and for your support. And please feel free to share to help spread the word!
We don’t live forever, I know this, just as sunlight and moonbeams can’t shine simultaneously, but sometimes I feel like he and I will transcend the inevitable. Imagining the opposite is unimaginable because it means one of us will be left alone with our tears to sweep up the shattered pieces of our hearts in every room we step into. It means going solo through every sunrise, every sunset.
It’s okay to daydream, isn’t it?
It’s alright to feel we’ll live forever, isn’t it?
What is life without dreams, without fantasy?
Reality hides in the shadows, I know this, but until life changes, I’ll live in my fantasy, knowing he’ll be beside me eternally.
Yesterday was going to be a hot one, so hubby suggested we drive into Sausalito and visit this cute little beach. The weather was cooler by the bay, and the sky was the bluest it’s ever been. We walked around, enjoying the sights, and of course, our coffee. Then some thoughts came to mind and landed in the form of Shadorma poems…
Escaping hot temperatures we find a quiet beach sights offer tranquility breathing in salt air
Boats on the bay, stoic in their beauty a lifestyle inviting surrounded by calm water waiting to take sail
Sitting on the sand, toes buried we people watch, little boy giggles from water joy paddle boarders learn
Owning this moment of stillness together he and I new memory to create over and over
Cheers! Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoyed. Have a lovely week ahead! 💦💙🩵☕️
This is a first for me! It’s 4:00 am and I can’t sleep! A billion thoughts swirl around in my mind and I toss and turn more times than clothes in a dryer! Hubby sleeps like a baby. Go figure! The decision is made to get out of bed. Why not? If we were on the east coast, we’d be enjoying coffee already. So, Good morning! The good thing is that today is Friday, the end of the work week.
A quick foot update, I’ve been pain-free for a week now, most likely from all your love, support, and positivity. I like the sound of that, don’t you? I still kind of hold my breath each day not knowing if a jolt will come. But it’s a miracle that I’ve jotted down a zero in my pain diary for 8 days straight. I did get a second opinion, and the doctor was very nice. He actually concurred with the other doctor’s diagnosis: neuritis or plantar fasciitis. It could be from wearing unsupportive shoes (though comfy) over the years along with aging, that the heel nerve became agitated. But I think I’m on the mend (knock on wood). I hope I’m on the mend. Will the pain return? I don’t know. But I’ve made modifications, so only time will tell. And I have your suggestions for if the pain worsens. In the meantime, I’m living life, gradually getting back into my walking routine. Thanks again for ‘being there.’ 🙏🏻🩷
Anyway, I’m leaving you with a poem to calm your mind…
Do you need rest, solitude for your heart and mind? Accept it, don’t be shy to admit a fraction of you needs only to hear silence. Let stillness enfold you in its calming embrace where the depths of your thoughts can flourish from their lingering state.
Do I need fifty dollar words, candlelight and wine to express what’s on my mind? I’m not one to write heartfelt emotions in rhythm or rhyme, no poet am I, and fancy words can’t match the hue in your eyes, so I’ll be wise, take my cue and simply whisper “I Love You”
An oldie from my poetry collection, Finding a Balance, Something soft for this Sunday. ❤️🥂
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author & Poet 