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.
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! 💖
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. 💖
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
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. 💚
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! ❤️
Image by Jacqui MurrayPhoto by alleksana on Pexels.com
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. 🙂
It looks like Copper accompanied my son and daughter on wonderful hikes in their respective states, CO and TN.
♥️🤎♥️🤎♥️
Dear Family and Friends,
The King Copper blog tour has come to an end. Maggie kicked it off with fireworks on August 4th, and Marsha created a grand finale yesterday on August 18th. I can’t express how thankful I am for those who helped spread the word about Copper. Many fell in love with him through the poems and photos shared. This feels like a warm hug. And the 5-star reviews that are flowing in are all touching my heart like the collection is touching the hearts of readers. Offering more gratitude is definitely justified to the wonderful blog tour train drivers:
I also want to repeat how much I loved everyone’s personal touch in their posts. How the poems affected them, and how they felt other dog or pet parents would appreciate the collection.
And to those who have bought the book or plan to, and who have already posted reviews, Thanks so much! A side note, selling my books isn’t about making money. Believe me, I spend more than what comes in. For me, my hope is to touch hearts in whatever way that is fitting for each individual. My books also become legacy for my family, so compensation isn’t always the only reward. Watch for it, here it comes…
One More Thank You
If repeated often words can sound trite though intentions are true as stars shine bright. A heart that grows full from abundant kindness unselfishness feels like a heartfelt caress. So don’t feel weary from hearing a ‘thank you’ because the sentiments like a sunrise are oh, so true! ~ LS
I appreciate your presence here and wish you the best day and week ever! ❤️
I’m excited to be at Sally’s today to spread the word about my special tribute to Copper. The tour began with Maggie on August 4th, so it’s been a whirlwind of love and support from this warm community. Sally is a generous soul by sharing fellow author’s books. Here’s a peek into what her site is all about:
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine was the follow on to a physical newsletter that I published every month for two years, on subscription to listeners to my radio show.. I expanded the original format which was mainly health articles, to including book marketing, music, humour, lifestyle, cookery and food and short stories. My aim was to create a watering hole that provided a wide number of topics to chat about….This has now developed further to provide a platform for other authors to share their work. This year the blog celebrates thirteen years, eleven of them as Smorgasbord Blog Magazine.
Thank you so much, Sally, for your generous heart! You, Maggie, Mike, Jacqui, Brian, and Ernie have brought magic into this blog tour. Marketing isn’t fun, but you all have made it fun and exciting, and I’m running out of ways to say “Thank you” from the bottom of my heart! ❤️
Now I invite you to click on the link below to be gently carried over to Sally’s. Each post on the tour offers something different to provide insight about Copper and my need to preserve memories, but to also write through the grief of “saying good-bye.” And take your time to get acquainted with Sally if you haven’t just yet. She is one of many talents! Comments are turned off. 💜
Thank you for stopping by, and thanks to you who have bought a copy, and who have already shared a wonderful review. I’m feeling beyond grateful these days, difficult to express in words. 💜🙏
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author & Poet 