A Special Shout-Out, King Copper reviews, and Precious Artwork of Copper 🧡

On September 3, 2025September 3, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Poetry102 Comments

To begin with, I want to offer a SHOUT-OUT to my dear friend, Maggie Watson. She was voted Spillwords Author of the Month for August! You can find her on the Spillwords sidebar for the month of September. But she is not new to Spillwords. She has been awarded Publication of the Month as well, and had several pieces of her beautiful and evocative writing published. Congratulations, Maggie! You deserve this high honor! 🎉🎉🎉

Secondly, I can’t help but share some fabulous King Copper reviews from friends who have posted them on their blogs. I’m combining all into this one post by including an excerpt and the link to their beautiful blogs. So, I invite you to visit their sites to read the rest of their lovely reviews – and to learn more about these amazing author friends. 💖

***Image credit to Dr. Vicki Atkinson***

~ Balroop Singh – https://balroopsingh.com/2025/08/25/poetry-bookreviews-2/

‘King Copper: Our Dog’s Life in Poetry’ is a heartwarming tribute to a pet whose love shines through Scott’s poems. This handsome guy looks stunning in the pictures that the poet has shared. I am not a dog lover, but I can understand how much love and understanding these furry friends hold in their hearts. Copper’s unconditional love has been beautifully expressed in memorable poetry by his mom.

No less than a celebrity, the poet tells us that Copper was a show-stopper, a hugger, and a kisser. His graceful gait, his charming smile, his slobbery kisses, and his dedication to guard his loving family made him an adorable golden boy. The warmth that radiates from his amber eyes reaches your heart if you look at his pictures. Most of the poems celebrate Scott’s love for Copper, but there are a few that tug at my heart as they bring out the poet’s grief when she hears “a dog barking in the distance” or misses the sounds like “nails clicking on the kitchen floor.”

‘Loss is Loss’ perfectly captures the emotions of those who grieve, a feeling which can only be understood by those who know that mourning seeps into our skin, a constant reminder that our loved one will never return. However, ‘Rainbow Bridge’ breathes positivity and encourages acceptance…

~ Nicole Sara – https://starrysteps.wordpress.com/2025/08/26/end-of-august-book-review-of-king-copper-by-lauren-scott/

Lauren has put together this tender collection in memory of her family’s Labrador, Copper. Each and every poem in this book feels like a precious gem and a keepsake, Lauren’s verse carrying along the joy of companionship, the ache of farewell and the warmth of cherished memories. The poems are also accompanied by cute photos, elegant too… of sweet handsome Copper, photogenically posing or playing with family and friends.

There are the funny and playful moments, the gentle ones, the nostalgia and the love, the warmth and the togetherness… all captured wonderfully by Lauren in her poems,so sweet… as is this endearingly cute memory she shares in “Copper Boy”,
“When he smiles, his white choppers
shine as if they’ve never caused
any commotion…never mind
the afternoon when he attempted
to eat the barbecue!”
or a reminder of the purity of unconditional love, and the way it can transform our life…

~ Diana W. Peach – https://mythsofthemirror.com/2025/09/03/august-a-meadow-a-beach-and-book-reviews/

Anyone who’s ever loved a dog (or another furred or feathered family member) will be able to relate to this lovely collection of poetry about the author’s Chocolate Lab named Copper.

Copper’s transition over the Rainbow Bridge and the author’s immense grief provided the inspiration to chronicle the lab’s personality, relationships, and life in poetry. The poems are heartwarming, joyous, funny, loving, and sad. A few of them are written from Copper’s point of view. The style of poetry ranges from silly limericks to deeply emotional free-form pieces.

The collection is written in two parts, each beginning with a short section of prose. The first piece of prose describes adopting Copper, the love-at-first-sight experience of meeting the perfect pet. The second describes losing Copper after 13 years and the author’s devastating grief…

~ Dr. Vicki Atkinson – https://victoriaponders.com/2025/08/31/stole-my-heart

Lauren Scott’s beautiful new book, “King Copper – Our Dog’s Life in Poetry” stole my heart. Sadly, one of the common denominators in life is loss. When those I care about – friends, family, clients, former students – reach out and share their grief about losing a pet, there’s often a sense of shame about the depth and capacity of the torment. “After all,” (a dear one said recently, speaking about the unexpected passing of her cat), “she was just a pet”.

I saw what she was doing – attempting to minimize her pain with a reductive explanation. Self-talk intended to soothe, with words borrowed from a thoughtless one who used the phrase “just a pet” to offer consolation. For many of us, our pets embody the qualities we long for in humans, especially those who disappoint us. Caring, loyal and loving, they ask only for those qualities in return – delighted by belly rubs and extra kibble now and then.

I was excited/nervous to read Lauren’s tribute to her beloved Copper. Excited because I know it was a labor of utmost love for Lauren. Nervous because I knew “King Copper” would prompt tears. Lauren writes with powerful poignancy. I embraced every word…

~ D.L. Finn (Denise) – https://dlfinnauthor.com/2025/09/02/september-book-reviews-deborahjay-laurenscott-writingcommunity-bookreviews-whattoread/

King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry is a beautiful tribute that deeply touched my heart. The words brought back memories I had of losing our sweet dog a couple of years back and of remembering the joy she brought us too. Our pets are such a gift, and this collection not only shows that but also offers comfort to all of us who have known the loss of a beloved pet. Here is an example of the depth of emotions: “A dog barks in the distance causing me to pause,/it sounds like Copper’s/ wild imagination longing for one more moment”—One More Moment. I can highly recommend this for all those who have loved and lost a pet family member.

Balroop, Diana, and Denise include other reviews of compelling books worth adding to your towering TBRs!

THANKS AGAIN TO EVERYONE WHO HAS READ MY BOOK AND WRITTEN BEAUTIFUL REVIEWS. I AM AMAZED AT HOW MANY HEARTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN TOUCHED BY COPPER’S LOVE FOR HIS FAMILY, AND HIS FAMILY’S LOVE FOR HIM. 🧡🤎

Lastly, some friends years ago offered to draw or paint Copper using photos I provided, and I continue to be in awe of their extraordinary talent:

I know this is a long post, and if you made it to this point, your time is appreciated! I hope you will celebrate Maggie’s great news with me, and follow the links to read the full excellent reviews of King Copper. My deepest gratitude goes to Balroop, Nicole, Vicki, Diana, and Denise! Any other reviews that came in early and were posted on blogs, I have reblogged. These reviews came in within a few days from each other, which is why one blog post seemed like a better option. I truly hope I haven’t missed anyone!

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Thank you for stopping by!
Happy September,
and I wish you a wonderful new season
as autumn patiently waits around the corner!

Hugs to you all! ❤️

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

Gobblers by Masticadores Publishes “An Avoidable Tizzy”

On September 1, 2025September 1, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Gobblers by Masticadores, Poetry62 Comments

Can you believe September has arrived already? Time sure mystifies, doesn’t it? On this first day of the month, I woke up to find this wonderful surprise in my inbox. Thanks so much to Editor, Manuela Timofte, for publishing my writing. I’m grateful to be featured on her beautiful literary site, and I hope you’ll peruse around if you’re unfamiliar with Gobblers. This poem is in the form of a haibun, part prose and haiku. Thanks again, Manuela! ❤️

An Avoidable Tizzy

Dr. Google isn’t credible, which leads me to the quote, “Don’t believe what you read on the internet.” I didn’t heed the advice. I mimicked the drowning man in the parable, “Two Boats and a Helicopter.” Do you recall this man who passed up several rescue attempts while facing raging floodwaters because he knew that God would save him? How we miss the signs… Instead, I dove into the words, ignorant of their harm like a fly into a web – each syllable engrained into my psyche, tossing me into a tizzy as Dad would say. I couldn’t get out of my head. It was a night of sheet thrashing. Poor sheets thinking, “What have we done?”…

To read the rest, please visit Manuela at Gobblers by clicking on the link below. I hope you’ll leave a ‘like’ or share your thoughts that I always love to read. Thank you!

An Avoidable Tizzy

I appreciate your visit, and Happy Labor Day to those who celebrate!
And I wish you a wonderful week to kick off this new month.
Our summer was thankfully mild, but I do look forward to autumn,
a favorite time of year. 🧡🍁

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© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.
Photo: Photo by chivozol on Pexels.com

Spider on a Hand

On August 30, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry83 Comments

Trust doesn’t come easily.
She can’t be bought
like dropping quarters
in a gumball machine,
and she doesn’t hand out trust
as if distributing flyers
for an open house.
It takes time and discernment,
the emotion that comes
with falling in love,
you just feel it.
You know it’s been earned –
the intuition,
a tattoo on your heart.
What happened then?
Conversations sharing pure joy,
utter anguish spilled
like oil in the sea.
Suddenly,
she’s a spider on a hand
that gets brushed off
hoping never to be seen again.
The drop, nosediving
into a state of confusion,
the impact shooting pain
through every vein and cell.
She tosses questions
into the universe,
they spiral through
the perplexity
because kindness
comes in soft tones,
gentle melodies
only to be shunned.
A decade wiped clean
from the wall calendar.
A friendship washed up
like a soda can on the shore.
Rude actions can crush
a caring heart
at any age.
At any age a caring heart
can become crushed.
She hears chatter
of wishing
to be young again.
She understands
the growing-older trials.
The aches catch her too,
but although good
memories stay vivid,
she doesn’t miss the games,
starting point in youth,
and yet, the games continue.

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© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.
Photo: Photo by chivozol on Pexels.com

Highlights to Showcase!

On August 27, 2025August 27, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Books, Discussion, Poetry76 Comments

***Photo by rovenimages.com on Pexels.com***

There is so much happening that gives reason for celebrating in the midst of still missing Copper. I don’t normally remember my dreams, but I dreamed about him the other night and it was vivid. Just an ordinary day with him trotting around the house, “nails clicking on the floor.” Anyway, I am so grateful and humbled by the beautiful reviews that are flowing in for King Copper. Thank you to those who have shared your heartwarming thoughts. ❤️

I also want to share the great news that my dear friend, Maggie, at Ephemeral Encounters, has been nominated for Author of the Month by Spillwords! And my good friend, Ernie, at The Dawghouse, has been nominated for Publication of the Month for his poem, “Little Mouse.” Way to go, Maggie and Ernie! 🎉

I encourage you to cast your vote for these two amazing writers at https://spillwords.com/vote/ and voting will conclude on August 29th. 🗳️

On another note, writing reviews seems to be a slow process for me. I should get in the habit of writing the review right after finishing a book. But no…I can’t stop reading, therefore, the books pile up and so do the reviews waiting to be written. That’s currently where I’m at. But having an abundance of books to read is the best problem, right?

And my latest selection include the following 5-star reads:

Gratitude & No Fairy Tale by D.L. Finn
Honeysuckle Heat by Michele Lee Sefton
A Noble Bargain by Jan Sikes
Cade’s Quest by Linda Broday (Jan’s sister)
Endangered Species by Jacqui Murray
Embracing the Power to Live by Marsha Ingrao

So next month, I’ll share my reviews! In the meantime, I hope you’ll check these fabulous books out!

Let’s keep those TBRs towering! 😂

And let’s not forget my TBR:

I’m currently reading a wonderful book: The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Lowenhohle by Thomas Wikman
and in the lineup are:
Sam, A Shaggy Dog Story by Sally Cronin
The Bush Devil Ate Sam by Curtis Mekemson
Rhyming Dreams by Nicole Sara

I’m sure the lineup will grow as fast as I’m typing! 📚

Lastly, I’d like to share an earlier, beautiful review of King Copper by Jan Sikes:

Processing Loss in poetic form
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2025
Verified Purchase

I shed more than a tear or two as I read this beautiful tribute to King Copper, a chocolate lab that gave so much love and joy to the author’s family. The poetry is heartfelt and poignant. Some of the poems speak of the happy times and some of the deep sadness at Copper’s passing. He came to their home in March with youthful spirit and left in March gaining angel wings with 13 years in between. This is a touching story of unconditional love. Here is an example of poems that touched me deeply…

Young Lab

There once was a friendly, young lab
With energy delightfully fab
He loved belly rubs
Hated baths in the tub
He gave big, toothy smiles, never sad!

My Shadow

Feeling empty in my bones
walking from room to room,
where is my shadow?

Those are just two very short examples of the deep heartfelt poetry in this book. The photos of the deeply cherished Copper and his family are an added bonus. If you’ve ever experienced the pain of loss and struggled to find a way to carry on, I recommend this short read to help you process. It touches on the reality of grieving and how hard it can be to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Yet, we do, as the author shows us.

Thanks so much, Jan, and a huge thanks to you who have shared your reviews on your blogs (I’ll reblog soon), and/or on Amazon and Goodreads. I am grateful beyond words! ❤️

This wraps up the highlights, so hugs to you for stopping by!
I know you have a million blogs to read and support like I do,
so your time here is appreciated! Have a spectacular day! 💖

***Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com***

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Marsha Ingrao at Story Chat Digest publishes my poem “Sepia”

On August 26, 2025August 26, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry

I’m thrilled to have my poem “Sepia” published on Marsha Ingrao’s site, Always Write, for her Story Chat Digest! Marsha is so generous to publish the work of fellow authors for the readers to analyze, both poetry and stories. Her blog is informational and entertaining. By the way, submissions can not be published anywhere in the past. So my poem is brand new. I’m also honored to celebrate beside my dear friend, Maggie Watson, and Doug Jacquier, who I’m happy to meet through Marsha – another benefit, meeting like-minded bloggers.
Thanks so much, Marsha! ❤️

Sepia

by  Lauren Scott

I walk around the neighborhood at a good clip.
Blood flows in every vein like a river to an ocean.
Familiarity around each corner feels like a needed hug.
My legs love the stretch of the stride.
Pausing for a moment, I close my eyes, breathing in fragrances…
tall pines, jasmine, and how lucky to have the sun's company.
Its warmth is welcomed.
When his presence is gentle, it’s a summer I remember.

A canine friend trots beside me, but only in my mind’s album
since time has faded like a few friendships.
The more calendar pages I flip, full of ink and pencil,
the more memories turn into sepia...

Comments are turned off, so please visit Marsha's beautiful site to read the rest of my poem, and Maggie and Doug's, and share your thoughts! And while you're there, I hope you take some time to peruse around. 💖

Story Chat Digest: August Poetry

Thank you for popping in when I know you have a million blogs to visit. I appreciate you! ❤️

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An Avoidable Tizzy

On August 24, 2025August 24, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry106 Comments

*Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com*

Dr. Google isn’t credible, which leads me to the quote, “Don’t believe what you read on the internet.” I didn’t heed the advice. I mimicked the drowning man in the parable, “Two Boats and a Helicopter.” Do you recall this man who passed up several rescue attempts while facing raging floodwaters because he knew that God would save him? How we miss the signs…Instead, I dove into the words, ignorant of their harm like a fly into a web – each syllable engrained into my psyche, tossing me into a tizzy as Dad would say. I couldn’t get out of my head. It was a night of sheet thrashing. Poor sheets thinking, “What have we done?”

I held my breath, hoping for daylight to peek through the curtains, watching the red digits on the loyal clock seemingly remain in place. So, when light glimmered through the white fabric, it felt like a lighthouse’s beacon. I let go of an exhale, another day – enough of those words! They can’t hurt me anymore (sticks and stones), for darkness is no longer their ally. A step forward into a new mindset that will comfort and encourage.

browsing online can
provoke unhealthy thinking
fact check for trueness

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Thanks for popping in! I hope you’ve had a good weekend so far and wish you a lovely Sunday. ❤️

Nature’s TV – Friday’s Poetry

On August 22, 2025August 22, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Photos, Poetry98 Comments

These are photos from past lake camping & backpacking trips. Beauty at its best, don’t you agree? We plan to get back to the lake next summer, but we had to pass this year because our favorite campground is being renovated. Poetic thoughts spill out from things I see, emotions, events, family, and nature. Nature always inspires.
So, won’t you join me at the lake? Have a seat, sip something cold, and simply ‘be.’

Nature’s TV

A moment to reflect
lake glimmers
in sunshine’s embrace
ripples shimmy across surface
dragonflies soar like mini gliders
feathered friends paddle away
after a brief “hello”
muscles and mind feel gratitude
no screen of any size
only Nature’s TV

I hope you enjoyed your time at the lake. Thank you for joining me!
Happy Friday, and I wish you a tranquil weekend. 💚

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Gobblers by Masticadores welcomes King Copper!

On August 20, 2025August 20, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Books, Gobblers by Masticadores36 Comments

A huge Thank You to Editor, Manuela Timofte, for sharing the initial post about my new release, King Copper – A poetic account of the joy that arises when a lovable chocolate lab walks into your life and changes it forever. And the eventual heartache you feel when he crosses over the rainbow bridge thirteen years later and still too soon. I’m always honored to be featured on Manuela’s beautiful site along with many talented writers. 🙏

“But today isn’t about feeling sad, bittersweet, yes, but this day is for my family and I to celebrate Copper through this special book. We can ‘see’ him frolicking with his friends in a magical place where pain doesn’t exist, only lush green meadows, redwoods, cheerful sunflowers, smiling daisies, ladybugs, and butterflies. It’s about believing…“

To read the entire post, please visit Gobblers, and if you haven’t subscribed, I hope you will. Manuela shares evocative poetry and stories from a myriad of talented authors. Thanks again, Manuela! ❤️

King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry

Thanks for dropping by, and I wish you a fabulous day! 🤎🧡❤️
Now that the blog tour has ended, I’m going to work on
finishing overdue reviews for some great books. 🙂

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