Tag: Anniversaries

The end of a blog break with New Year’s musings!

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Celebrations, Poetry102 Comments

Dear Friends,

How are you??? I can’t believe a month has passed by since I began my blog break! The holidays were magical, and I read a lot! I had so many books lined up from my friends here in blogland, so I took the opportunity to dive in! One by one, I was enchanted by evocative poetry, hooked by compelling fiction and fantasy, and moved by an inspirational memoir. In my next post, I will share those wonderful books. I also wrote reviews and posted them on Amazon and Goodreads, which felt good to help my fellow authors. Anyway, the photo above was from watching (from the comfort of our sofa) the Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year’s Day. And the poem that I’m sharing below was written in December prior to the fire devastation in Los Angeles that began early January.

December Musings

I didn’t need mistletoe
on New Year’s Eve
to touch my lips to his
nor an array of gifts
resting beneath
the Christmas tree
I have a roof that shelters
from winter’s rage
and cools from summer’s
hot embrace

The stars dance each evening
in the vast sky above
They shimmer and shine
for all eyes to see –
fathers and mothers
sons and daughters
aunts and uncles
sisters and brothers –
for you and for me.

A new year has arrived,
the calendar tells us so
I wish the holiday spirit
would continue through the seasons
Let it flow! Let it flow!

How lovely for children’s laughter
to be music filling our days
and love for All people
to be the purpose of our ways…

My words still ring true, but our hearts ache for those lives that have literally been turned upside down because of the fires. The devastation looks unreal, but to everyone affected, it’s a living hell. For lives lost, for homes burned to the ground. The victims remain in our hearts. We have donated, and I hope everyone helps in any way possible. ❤️

While watching the news and staying informed with heavy hearts, we also celebrated this week…Cheers to 36 years of ‘happily ever after’ for my husband and I – 37 years together! And to think a refrigerator linked our paths! 😊 Life has presented us with an abundance to celebrate, but also hurdles to jump when things happened out of our control. Matt and I would jump those hurdles all over again hand in hand. Happy 36th to us, and to many more anniversaries to come! ❤️🎉🥂

A random thought…I pass by a mural often, reminding myself that someday I should stop and get a picture. Well, that ‘someday’ came. I took this in such a hurry though that I forgot to get the artist’s name. But I love the joy of nature this artwork displays. Does this mural make you wish for spring? 🌻

And lastly, if you recall from last month, I was dealing with a big hiccup regarding my paperback of Cora’s Quest. It was ‘out of stock’ and ‘on hold’ with the company I published it through, and because this occurred during the holidays, it was beyond frustrating. Well, it’s fixed! The image pages needed to be upgraded to a premium color level at no additional cost to me, so it’s all good, even though the wait was infuriating. Cora’s Quest is back in business, available in paperback (recommended for the full magical experience) and in e-book version.

For those of you who ordered the paperback and had to wait, have you received your copies? Thank you for your patience! And to those of you who have read, loved Cora’s adventure, and shared your 5-star reviews, Thank You, Thank You!!! Please consider sharing a review if you loved the book. Reviews are like hugs to Indie Authors! If you haven’t read about Cora yet, her story isn’t just for little ones; all ages will appreciate the important message found in the midst of Cora’s lively forest.

Click on the link to purchase your copy. xo

“A wonderfully uplifting story of lessons learned and the power of love. I recommend it for children and adults of all ages!” Award-winning Jan Sikes

Thank you for taking the time to pop in, and I look forward to reading your posts again!

Happy New Year,
Lauren 💖

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.

Celebrating a Special 1st Anniversary!

On 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 💜💜

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.

A Taste of Buttercream Frosting

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry68 Comments

When our eyes meet, love still lingers...
a love that has navigated its way
to this very moment. The breath of a
gentle summer breeze carried us
over hills seemingly too huge to bear.
Stunning, good-night hues painted
our evenings, and golden shades
offered morning greetings.
With fingers laced, our connection,
now deeper than that first kiss,
and as sweet
as the taste of buttercream frosting.
And so, our dance continues,
for it is written in the clouds,
over the horizon,
within the glorious shades of the future.

© Lauren Scott, baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.
A reposting/revision of an oldie following the celebration
of our 34th wedding anniversary. (1/21/89) ❤️

In the Company of Redwoods

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Personal Stories, Prose33 Comments

It felt like walking back in time, strolling around the loop in the park flanked by redwoods, families laughing and holding dialogue over a barbecue burger lunch. The aroma tickling our noses. Opened bags of chips and containers of various salads on the table ready for serving. Grandma shuffles across the street, both hands gripping her walker. Grandpa right beside her, his hand resting on her lower back. Deep, long-lasting love in his eyes. Parents play badminton with their children – a portrait of entertainment at its finest. Our stroll takes us to the bridge where we pause for a few minutes. Leaning against the rail, we see young girls and boys splashing in the creek, laughter whirling around in the warm June air. The sound, musical and magical. Redwoods stand tall in their regal manner, providing shade from the scorching rays of the golden ball in the bright cerulean sky.

A week has passed since extreme high temperatures inundated our area – no air conditioning, felt like we were simply existing, wiping sweat from our faces, zapped of all energy, fans at arm’s reach. So, a day among the Redwoods sounded ideal for a cool breather. Our stroll continues past the inviting, glistening creek where we spot poison oak on the side of the road, but we don’t touch. No desire to itch. A Western tiger swallowtail with its black tiger stripes and pretty pale-yellow wings joins us, flying around my husband then me, as if wanting to listen in on our conversation.

Campgrounds on our right display tents in all sizes and colors of blue, red, orange, and lime green. Kids of varied ages play games at a picnic table, a far cry from fingers flying across a keyboard. The delightful scene transports me to my childhood at our cabin on the corner, playing Yahtzee, or the classic Go Fish and Crazy Eights with my parents and sisters. A breeze whirls around us – we want to capture it with our bare hands, bottle it for when the house is sauna hot. A few dogs trot beside their owners, our dog mirrors them, happy to be outside with an abundance of stimulation: smells, people, children, food! His nose in overdrive!

We wind down the road, then make a U-turn. Reaching our picnic table, our stomachs begin to rumble, so my husband pulls out the Reuben sandwich for us to split – haven’t indulged in a Reuben in a hundred years, with orzo and tabbouleh salads for sides. What a feast. What a beautiful day in the company of the majestic Redwoods. His Deschutes IPA and my sangria tap. Cheers to 34 years ago on this day when he asked me that timeless question and I said, “Yes.”

Lauren Scott (c)

32 Years!

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Celebrations, Poetry33 Comments

To my Husband,

Our love perseveres. It has survived topsy-turvy financial times. It has thrived through ribbons and bows and lots of Lego. It has boomed through high fevers and elevated lab tests, riding on a million prayers. It has traveled endless highways and zigzagging back-country roads with respect on its wing. Our marriage has grown like a pine tree, the roots deepening over more than three decades as we add another ring around its trunk. You have lit the fire in my heart. You have awakened my soul. You have pushed me to reach higher. Loving you is like a taste of nirvana that I have savored, never taking for granted. You see the better version of me that I cannot see. I could turn myself inside out, exposing my every imperfection and you would still love me. I do believe in luck and I am lucky to have found you and this love that binds us. My world is around you. Sharing each sunrise, sunset, and new dream on the horizon in this fascinating thing called life has been the answer to my dandelion wish. You are my beginning and end.

I love you forever…

We hope to celebrate 32 more anniversaries. 💗

Stay safe, enjoy your special occasions,
and thank you for stopping by!
Lauren 🥂🎉✨🌟🎊

A little bit of a few things…

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Holidays, Photos60 Comments

Dear Friends,

I’ve lost blogging momentum because of some health issues in our family and procedures during the holiday. My mind has been a little preoccupied. But on the morning of Thanksgiving, my husband and I enjoyed a walk around the neighborhood. The sun was shining and the temperature was invigorating and brisk. After turning a corner, we stumbled upon a van that invited passersby to write their gratitude on the colorful hand turkeys provided. Sharpies and hand sanitizer were also conveniently supplied. We gladly participated and added our turkey to the eye-catching and humbling collection. God Bless the owner of this van, for even in dark times there is much to be grateful for.

Just like many others, we were ready for some Christmas joy, so we bought our tree on black Friday and we’ve never seen the line so long! Patience really was a virtue that day! We call our tree the “Family tree” because most of the ornaments are homemade from our son and daughter when they were little. The angel on top is our daughter’s creation and there is no reason to replace it. Our senses are heightened by the Noble Fir fragrance and the room is cozier than ever now.

Copper enjoys the warmth and coziness of the fire,
but he prefers not to be too close to the snap, crackle,
and pop.

Lastly, WordPress tells me that I have a 10-year anniversary to celebrate! Time sure flies when you’re having fun creating, along with meeting wonderful people all around the world. So, Thank You, for your support and friendship!

I hope those of you in the U.S. had a wonderful Thanksgiving and wish you all a blessed Christmas and holiday season.
Stay safe and well, too! Lauren 💗

Celebrating 8 years with WordPress!🎉

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Anniversaries, Poetry82 Comments

Image result for tea and blogging imagesWordPress tells me that it’s been 8 years since I embarked on this blogging journey. As most of you know, I created this blog around my 50th birthday after encouragement from my son (then 15 years old). Becoming a blogger never entered my mind, so it was similar to taking a step into a whole new world.

Let me tell you that it’s been such a wonderful experience, and although it’s been 8 years since inception, I didn’t become truly active until the following year. But who’s counting, right? This virtual adventure has been a “cup runneth over” experience between meeting people from all over the world, making new lovely friends, exploring art in every form, learning new styles of poetry, having the ability to share my writing, and then, of course, to receive the abundance of support throughout the years.

So, will you celebrate with me? I’d love it if you would because the more, the merrier!

And below I’m including a poem I wrote a few years back about this amazing experience…

Connections

I pondered long and hard for the answer
wondering, wavering of emotions inside
How relative time has been in this journey
this crazy, happy, emotional ride

The voices unheard, yet heard of so clearly
in universal languages for all to hear
The faces unseen, yet seen in tiny glimpses
of those who opened their windows for air

How thoughtful the praise each time I read
How warm my hopeful heart became
How humble it felt from deep within
How grateful my soul will surely remain

Lauren Scott 2015

SO HERE’S A BIG THANKS TO YOU ALL FOR YOUR LOVE, FRIENDSHIP, SUPPORT, AND ENCOURAGEMENT OVER THE YEARS!

Image result for thank you

And the journey continues…

Love, Lauren ❤❤❤
Image credit: Google

 

By the Bay

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Anniversaries, Photos38 Comments

We celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary (see my prior post) on the coast and lucked out with some sunshine, even though the wind blew and it was cold. Here are some photos we took, so much beauty to take in…

on the way back roads

We took the back roads going in and loved the green hills. Those cows
were also too darn cute!

hole in the head location (1)

The view was beautiful, but the coast is rugged at this time of the year,
with winds from 40-50 mph.

in bodega bay (2)

This pier was more narrow than we thought at first. I was taking pictures
with my cell, and all I needed was to drop it in the ocean. 🙂 But I didn’t,
needless to say. While walking out to the end, we saw a sea lion, but he
disappeared before I could click (probably camera shy). Our Inn was just
across the bay. 

taken from deck at The Tides Wharf Restaurant (1)

I thought the Christmas tree made for an interesting photo, not to
mention the entire composition (from my amateur perception).

Saturday night sunset (1) 

Watching the sunset from our room…

champage surprise from the kids

…and the icing on the cake was when we were told that our son and daughter
took care of all anniversary dinner charges, along with adding a bottle of
champagne. A touching surprise, to say the least…

Overall, it was a wonderful time together. Thinking back, we wore
backpacks and hiking boots the last time we went away, so this
trip was welcomed. I hope you enjoyed the sights, and Thanks again,
for all of your lovely anniversary wishes!!!

“Beauty sleeps on the calm dreamy bosom of the ocean,
or lives in the dance of its wild waves.”
~T.C. Henley, “Beauty,” 1851~

~ Lauren ❤