Audio – Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author

Dear Family and Friends,

This will be my last post for the year, then I’ll be going offline until January. It’s been a great 12 months with my health improving, many adventures throughout, and concluding with the publication of Cora’s Quest (even with the current snafu). I love spending time with all of you on your blogs, reading your beautiful poetry and stories, oohing and ahhing at your stunning photos, and traveling vicariously through your virtual itineraries. The support I receive for my writing and books is so appreciated, even I can’t find the words!

I searched high and low for my muse, but she has already departed on holiday vacation, so I didn’t write anything new for today. I’m sharing instead a poem that seems to circle back now and then. I hope you enjoy again, or for the first time. I included an audio as well for your listening pleasure. 🥰

***An older photo of Copper enjoying the warmth.***

A Christmas Soliloquy

The noble fir smells heavenly
Pervading throughout the room
Lights twinkle in red and green
Adding to its festive costume.

Stockings embellish the mantel
Eager to be filled with treats
Garland graces letters in gold
Spelling out P.E.A.C.E.

Dangling to model icicles,
White lights sparkle on eaves
Ornaments shimmer on branches
All this, the stuff of dreams.

But can dreams still come true
When years become displeasing?
Amidst the tears and heartache,
Is there room for believing?

I have faith that joy weaves
Its way through the pain
Angels keep watch while Love
Is the magic that remains.

I don’t know your story
The details are yours alone
But I do wish you Happiness
That you may seize and truly own…

As we listen to the marching rhythm
Of the exultant Christmas drum
For these holidays upon us
And for the New Year to come.

© Lauren Scott

I also hope you’ll forgive another (subtle) plug for my book, Cora’s Quest…the good thing is it’s not a Christmas story, so children (and adults) can enjoy reading about Cora anytime of the year! The paperback is still out of stock (hopefully, not for much longer), but the e-book is available. So, you can wait for the paperback or you can purchase the e-book and read about Cora immediately.
If you choose to add my first children’s book to your home library, thank you in advance! 🙏

“I thought your message to children through Cora was outstanding, a lesson that even adults wrestle with. Get out of of our comfort zone because overcoming our fears is one of the most overpowering feelings in life.”
~ Pete Springer from petespringerauthor.wordpress.com

A Huge Thank You for visiting my cozy corner in WordPress, and I wish you all a peaceful holiday filled with nothing but joy. The holidays aren’t always happy for everyone though, so if you’re struggling in some way, I hope you have support to help you find even a tiny ray of light. I want nothing but harmony and magic to fill your days during this month of December and in each day to come.
Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzaa to those who celebrate as well!
I’ll respond to comments if you’re kind enough to leave one.
Sending virtual hugs! ❤️🎄🙏

Click on the image to purchase
your copy. ***Thank you!***🎄❤️

https://on.soundcloud.com/6yj8b4FHhoiX8Dgh7

I’ve never participated in a poetry reading before. Even though I’ve sung in front of audiences in my youth, the thought of sharing my original poetry in person immediately starts the internal flapping of butterfly wings. Sharing behind a screen isn’t so scary.

Well, a friend of mine heard of a local poetry night taking place last week, so she encouraged me to sign up. Her exact words, “You should do it!” So I did, but not without jumpy nerves.

There were 27 poets, different ages, even some young voices which was fabulous. I prayed that I wouldn’t be the last reader because we all know the effects of anticipation. Instead, I was second to read, which was a little nerve-racking in itself, but at least it was over fast. According to my friend, I did great. And even in my mind, I thought I had done well, maybe not stellar, but well enough for the first time. I didn’t trip over any words. I didn’t sneeze or fall into a coughing fit. I stayed focused, and afterwards, I received some “Beautifuls”, which I believe is music to any artist’s ears.

Irregardless, I’m glad I finally did this, another box checked off the list. Listening to the others read their original poems or poems written by another author was also wonderful. This event turned out to be an enlightening experience.

Now, for the sake of trying something fun and different, I’m sharing an audio of the poem I read that I recently recorded. I’ve posted “Castanets” before, but I’ve made small revisions since then.

I also can’t help wonder if most people think their voices sound strange when they hear them recorded. I know I do. Nonetheless, here goes…

Castanets

Stepping outside, I stroll down the
quiet road with my lab on my left,
his gait as graceful as a galloping horse
in slow motion.
Squirrels raise their sleepy heads
because of the early hour.
The sky appears to be coal black,
but when I turn the corner, watermelon pinks,
corals, and lemon yellows take center stage.
My camera doesn’t do justice.
Then I recall my son saying, “Enjoy the moment.”
I slip that device back in my pocket.
To my right, salmon-colored roses
flaunt their fragrance and I am intoxicated.
Passing orange poppies,
their stems flutter with excitement,
eager for the sun’s ascent, and in the distance,
silence sings its serene ballad.
As the tempo of our pace speeds up,
a breeze joins us,
and the leaves on the trees lining the lane
sway in rhythm as though dancing a waltz.
Jowls flap, he smiles with brown nose
set in overdrive. The sun’s gentle touch
adds a glimmer to his copper coat.
I pause, bending down to his level,
fingers stroke shiny, silky fur,
his eyes close, contented from contact.
When we move again, his nails on the asphalt
mimic the clicking of two sets of castanets,
and in seconds, I realize these observations
are what life is all about…
seeing…feeling…smelling…listening…
being.