Refresh Button (revised)

On September 3, 2022 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Writing46 Comments

*I posted this in 2018, so this is a revised version…*

As summer bids farewell for another year, Autumn prepares for her entrance, and doesn’t she look lovely! With season changes, I’m often compelled to reorganize and do some fall cleaning. To begin with, I rearrange the furniture in our living room, something that has become an annual activity and a way of inviting new perspectives wherever we choose to sit. Who would think moving furniture around would be so gratifying?

Now we have the chance to watch the sunrise through the big window while sipping our tea or coffee. Or we have a better view of a roaring fire when winter drops in for an extended stay and hot chocolate is on its way, but perhaps, that glass of wine calls when the clock strikes five. Regardless of the beverage at hand, the sofa configuration is more fitting to sit closer to someone we love for a treasured, intimate conversation.

Whatever the benefit, this season change offers a newness, a revitalizing start as we near the ending of 2022. The coziness, the warm hues and spicy aromas. The kitchen curls its finger when outside temperatures drop and the evenings become darker earlier. I’m lured into the room where I mix up pumpkin bread, one of my holiday baking traditions that everyone loves. But last year, I found a pumpkin cookie recipe (image of cookies above) that is to die for! I’m including recipes for both in case your mouth is watering for their sweet and spicy deliciousness.

**Pumpkin Bread (my mom’s recipe)**

Preheat oven to 325° F and grease and flour a loaf pan. Mix together 1 1/2 sticks of butter (salted), 1 15 oz. can pumpkin, 2 cups white sugar. Add 2 eggs then dry ingredients: 2 c. flour, 1 t. baking soda, 1/2 t. baking powder, 1 t. cloves, 1 t. cinnamon, 1 t. nutmeg. Other options are to add 1/2 cup of raisins and/or nuts. Walnuts are good in this recipe. Pour into the loaf pan and bake for 65-75 minutes depending on your oven. Test with a toothpick. Cool on rack in pan for 10 minutes, then flip bread onto rack and cool completely. Enjoy!

**Pumpkin Cookies (I found online)**

1 cup salted butter softened, 2 cups white sugar, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, 2 cups solid pack pumpkin, 1 tsp vanilla, 4 3/4 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp baking soda, 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the Glaze: 3 cups powdered sugar, 4-8 tablespoons milk

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugars until well creamed. Beat in eggs, pumpkin, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Add dry ingredients to the wet and stir until combined. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto cookie sheets. Bake for 13-14 minutes or until edges are slightly browned. Do not over bake. Let cool completely. To make the glaze, stir together the powdered sugar and enough milk to make a runny, but still spreadable consistency. Spread each cooled cookie with glaze. Enjoy!

So you see, this simple switch is like clicking on the refresh button on life. Even a small change can add a pinch of extra spice to this time of year.

*An older photo of Copper, our regal lab.* 🧡

May this season of Autumn bring a refreshing newness to your life, as well. ❤️

Three Men in a Boat – Oddquain poetry

On August 29, 2022September 1, 2022 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry, Writing56 Comments

During one of the moments from our lake respite a few weeks ago, my husband and I sat on the shore, gazing at the glorious sunrise while also watching three men in a boat float peacefully in the far distance. A poem was stirring but hadn’t materialized, and then I came across the Oddquain poetry format. So, below are my thoughts from this blissful morning, penned in the syllabic format of Oddquain…

Oddquain is a short, usually unrhymed poem consisting of seventeen syllables distributed 1, 3, 5, 7, 1 in five lines.

Lake
early morn
cold air touches warm
water, steam rises, halo
calm

They
hear whispers
the lake is calling
geese witness from shore, unseen
truth

Luck,
will it change?
floating on glass-like
surface, poles dangle with lures
bite

ball
of golden
tones ascents, bringing
possibilities with its
glow

Lauren Scott ©
Sierra Mountains

Thank you for reading, and here is my latest book, More than Coffee.
“In the midst of all the strife and ugliness and turmoil “out there” in our world, comes lilting lovely prose and poems reminding us that the simple things of life – a cup of coffee, a hug from a child, sweetheart romance, hugging a tree, walking through the forest – these symbolize the reality of most of our lives. P. Wight

The Friends We Meet in Unexpected Places

On August 24, 2022 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Prose, Writing28 Comments

We spotted him on the still water, appearing to be content resting on the surface smooth as satin, even posing for a few photos as I clicked away. Although I’d say he was a bit camera shy with his backside facing us! Even so, we thanked our quiet, and seemingly, curious friend, watching us intently, turning his neck now and then to get a better look. And while no feathered company was in sight, we didn’t think he was lonely, choosing to be in this stunningly beautiful place for a purpose without distractions. Perhaps he was standing guard, protecting his mate nearby. Or pondering where his journey might take him next. So, by respecting his privacy, we gently stepped away, hiking in the opposite direction. Later in the afternoon, following a dip in the lake, we sat back in our chairs, the calm water mesmerizing us into a wonderful repose. And there he was again, our new friend gliding by but pausing when he saw us – most likely with perfect intention to visit so that he could say goodbye before heading to his next destination.
Isn’t it special, the friends we meet in unexpected places?

Lauren Scott ©

Thank you for stopping by to read this story about the wonders of nature, and by the way, I have ventured into the world of Instagram @baydreamerwrites.

https://www.instagram.com/baydreamerwrites/

and created a new Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BaydreamerWrites.

So, if you would like to connect on these platforms as well, click on the links above. It would be great to see you on these social media networks.

Have a wonderful day!
Lauren ❤️

Sky Canvas

On August 18, 2022 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry, Writing40 Comments

Down by the lake, evening emerges with the fragrance of tranquility. The shore wears nothing but a few rocks scattered in its sand. A father and son hold fishing lines in their quiet space, hoping their luck will change. A lone sailboat glides by, pausing for the unfolding. An older man with hair the color of an egret leans against a stump. The clouds understand we wait with enthusiasm. To our naked eyes, their smooth edges have been highlighted as though the sun outlined each of their fluffy shapes with a fine yellow highlighter. Occasionally, trout jump out of the still water, unable to contain their excitement.

Then suddenly the sky displays an explosion of color: tangerine, salmon, canary yellow, brighter, and brighter with every second. We are transported to a dreamlike place where a painter gently swishes her brush back and forth on the immense backdrop, to the left and right, repeating with grace of an orchestra leader. Artwork in the sky. Can a presentation of the sun slipping behind the cottony clouds be so spectacular? The sun knows it is time for the moon to shine.

Lauren Scott ©

Sierra Serenity

On August 14, 2022 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Photos, Writing40 Comments

My husband, Matt, and I experienced one of the best times at our favorite campground in the Sierra Nevada mountains. We hiked on local trails, around the lake, swam, and simply relaxed in camp. Our campsite was lakeside and the water level was high, so the walk down the path to the sandy shore took about fifteen seconds. We’ve had similar sites before in the past, but this one was special because we could see that stunning body of water from every angle. We took in the serenity, putting a halt to the go, go, go mindset. It was nice to watch small sailboats, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards cruise the lake. Inspiration to write in my faithful journal that always accompanies me on our wilderness trips happened immediately. Our first sunset was the most spectacular sunset we have ever watched unfold, and I will post about it soon. I’m sharing a handful of the many, many photos below that we took:

For all you Ornithologists, we saw an abundance of birds such as an American Bald Eagle (incredible), a Scrub jay, California Quail, Finches, Diving Ducks, and Canadian Geese. Other creatures piqued our interest: a tiny lake frog and a bullfrog the size of a softball, lizards, squirrels, and chipmunks. Although my husband had hoped to see a black bear!

And below is a poem that formed on…

The First Morning

Our eyes open to chirps of our feathered campers
from high above in the fir trees, and occasionally,
we hear the rustle of a skittering squirrel.
The night before, every creature became silent
as darkness sank into the evening.
But in morning, when darkness has faded
and sunlight shines over the lake,
we walk the few steps down the trail
to the still water, nestle into our camp chairs
side by side, and slowly sip our caffeine indulgence.
We listen. Peace in the uttermost sense of the word.
Beautiful clouds drift by, prompting us to stroll upon them,
feel their softness, but then they move with the grace of a swan.
Ripples in the sand. Artwork in crystal-clear water.
And this is when we watch morning happen…

Lauren Scott ©
I hope you find your place of tranquility…like we did. ❤️

“Life is not measured…”

On August 7, 2022August 8, 2022 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Photos, Quotes, Writing

We’re going on another wilderness adventure, so technology will stay at home, except for my cell phone for taking a million photos. 🙂 I’m leaving you with one of my favorite Maya Angelou quotes, and this photo was taken at Crater Lake in Oregon.

**Wishing you all a fabulous week and I’ll see you when I return. I’ll also add a Big Thank You for all your visits and support!**

The Fine Points

On August 3, 2022August 3, 2022 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry, Writing55 Comments

Since the beginning of you and I,
we have bought thirty-three calendars.
I know you like your coffee beige
and that cereal is your feast on
weekday mornings, but on weekends,
you’ll skillfully whip up an omelet.
I’ve never mastered the egg flip.
I know which of your shirts have hung
around for the long haul and if you could
backpack every day, you would. If you
had a choice: flip flops or hiking boots,
the boots would win by a broad margin.
I know our children have the best dad.
You think you’re lucky finding me,
but I am the lucky one…
to wake up each morning with your
pillow beside mine, to witness the sun’s
first peek through the window, to vie
for blankets on a January night.
We are ears and rocks for each other,
having mastered the flavors and textures,
while learning each other’s landscape.
But the depth of our devotion
has not reached its full potential.
There is more closeness to discover
in spaces yet to be revealed.
I feel like a grand prize winner
in this thing called life
where do-overs aren’t magically offered.
You and I became an Us,
and as more lines come into light,
as more grays persist,
even if feet shuffle and bones ache,
there will be more calendars to hang.

This poem is one of four that I contributed
to the anthology, Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships.
A beautiful collection of poetry
where twelve poets reveal their
most personal moments,
compiled by Kaye Lynne Booth
and Robbie Cheadle.