Tag: Book Promotions

Book Review: Ariel’s Song by Dawn Pisturino

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Book Reviews, Poetry76 Comments

Ariel’s Song by Dawn Pisturino is a beautiful and evocative collection of sixty-five poems – a collection that she lovingly dedicates to her daughter whose name is Ariel. The poems were written over a period of three decades touching on topics of love, family, children, death, nature, and the unique. Some rhyme and others are free in their styles from traditional sonnets that invited me to contemplate, to twisted limericks that made me laugh. I had many favorites, but I’m sharing snippets from a few, otherwise, this review would turn into a novel.

Many poems brought a sense of nostalgia. “November” evoked memories of when the season changed into golds, yellows, and reds, the air brought a chill, and my parents were still with us, enjoying family weekends at our cabin – everyone was young, and the future looked brighter than ever.

When November came,
We sat around the kitchen table after dark,
Telling chilling tales
Of ghosts and other phantoms of the night,
While wooden logs crackled and burned
On the old stone hearth,
And a cold wind wrapped its spectral arms
Around the ancient wooden cottage…

Dawn writes of her late father in “Rapping” which stirred emotions of my mother-in-law who departed from our world over thirty years ago. Our daughter was born the same year that Diane passed, and one evening from downstairs, we heard footsteps on the carpeted staircase when our little girl was sound asleep in her crib. No one else was in the house with us. So, was it Diane stealing a glance at her first precious grandchild? We imagined it was, and so we believed.

As a nature lover with a grateful heart for each new day “When the Morning Comes” hit home and really should be hung on refrigerators:

When the morning comes,
Sun will shine with a different light,
Earth will glow in a brand-new way,
Moon will dance to a gayer tune,
Clouds of pain will float away.
Broken hearts will beat again,
Empty eyes will see new life,
Throats will open up and sing,
Hands will break the chains of strife…

“I Hate Snakes” made me laugh out loud, but I can relate so well to the sentiments. Dawn’s vivid imagery summoned me along to explore with her in ‘the jungle’ and her frightening experience with snakes reminded me of my first encounter with a spider, which eventually turned into arachnophobia, causing a never-ending turbulent relationship with the creepy-crawlies.   

I HATE SNAKES

I pushed open the creaky door to look inside
And froze in shock at what I saw:
Slithering, crawling, scaly snakes
Formed a moving carpet on the floor,
Entwining in an intimate embrace,
Lying together in a clump of shimmering bodies,
Moving slowly and surely in the rotten shadows.
We beat a hasty retreat
And never visited our ‘jungle’ again.
And that’s why, even today,
I HATE SNAKES!

Dawn’s collection of lovely, witty, and occasionally dark poetry, offers a verse and a sense of familiarity for everyone. Highly recommended for all poetry enthusiasts!

Dawn’s website: http://www.dawnpisturino.org

And social media links:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dawn.pisturino
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/people/Dawn-Pisturino-author/61557762414334
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/dawnpisturino
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/dawnpisturino/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-pisturino-a15498123/
Medium: http://www.medium.com/@dawnpisturino
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dawnpisturino/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/WriterArizona
Reddit: http://www.reddit.com/user/Rare_Scare/
Tumblr: http://www.tumblr.com/arizonawriter

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

Thank you for stopping by, and enjoy your weekend ahead! ❤️

My latest collection of poetry, touching on nature, love, and the mysteries of life
that would make a great for any holiday! Click on the image for your copy. Thank you! 💚

5 Quills from Kaye!

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Poetry69 Comments

Hello All!

I am thrilled to share another glowing review for my book, Ever So Gently, from Kaye Lynne Booth at writingtoberead.com. But first, here’s a little bit about Kaye:

She has been writing content on Writing to be Read since 2010, including book reviews, author interviews and reflections on writing. Her first novel, Delilah, was published by Dusty Saddles Publishing in 2016. (Recently re-released as a part of her Women in the West Adventure Series.)

In 2019, she founded WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press and now publishes her own books and anthologies, as well as the work of others, and recently merged her website here. Kaye Lynne publishes wide through Draft2Digital, and her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets are all available from your favorite book distributor through Books2Read.

To learn more about Kaye and to read her entire blog post, please click on the link below that follows her wonderful review:

Kaye’s Review:

For me, poetry is best enjoyed in print, where I can hold the book in my hands and leaf through the pages, taking in each poem in small doses, and revisting those poems which have sparked further thought in my mind. So, I was tickled to receive a print copy of Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry from author Lauren Scott. In this delightful collection, we hear the author’s confident approach to life, feel her inner appreciation of the natural world around her, and gain insight into value of connection with the people she loves and cares about.

Poetry is so personal, offering a window into the author’s soul, and Ever So Gently does this beautifully. Many of the poems contained within resonated with me on a personal level. As a both nature and animal lover, the vivid images of the cautiously flitting hummingbird, a garden renewed, and beloved pets helped me to feel the moments described within each, as if witnessing or experiencing them.

Messages from the Sea

listen intently
inhale, exhale, feel the calm
your soul will thank you

secrets ride the waves
ebbing, flowing in turquoise
we are not privy

whispers in the surf
ambiguous to discern
relish in their song

_________________________

For Lauren Scott, nature is soothing, healing. I can relate with that as nature is also where I go for solace.

Chilling Embrace

I have been embraced
by the chilling presence
of loneliness.
I have wondered where the niche
designed for me exists in this world
in which my breaths originate.
I have waited for the glow
to emerge behind the shadows.
But when I take that soft step
into the splendor of nature,
listen to the trees whisper their sagacity,
feel the flowing rivers move my pain,
creating vast distance between it and me,
I have been revived by the compassion
that nature offers so unselfishly.

_____________________________

But my very favorites were the poems in which she expressed her love of the written word, a love that I share, so can relate well with.

Books

Stories, poetry
Compelling, transporting, entertaining
Turning pages is exciting
Paperbacks

______________________________

But my true favorite is the poem that shares the title the book is so aptly named for. In it I see clearly the author’s positive, grounded attitude toward life. A wonderful outlook, to be sure.

Ever So Gently

Sometimes we get lost
in our thoughts…
losing focus of the stars
lighting up the night sky.
We tumble too deeply
into the frontal lobe,
allowing negative thoughts
to awaken, to throw a tantrum.

Remember, the breeze carries
burdens down rivers
and across oceans,
majestic trees sway with joy,
sheltering from shadows,
and the light shines even if only
a slight glimmer slips through.

Its glow will grow ever so gently
into a bright beacon of hope
rising with the golden sun
bringing clarity to our vision.

____________________________

With her uplifting poetic verse Lauren Scott basks in the earth’s beauty, cherishes loved ones, ponders life’s mysteries. Highly recommended. I give Ever So Gently five quills.

************************************************************************

Book Review: Ever So Gently – A Collection of Poetry

Thanks again to Kaye for this beautiful review! I am delighted that she enjoyed my poetry collection because that is the ultimate wish…for the reader to find poems that resonate “as if witnessing or experiencing them” – Kaye’s words. My heart is full!
And thanks to you who chose to visit my corner of blogville in the midst of your busy day. ❤️

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

Click on the image to purchase your copy. 💚

The Stars Align…

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews, Poetry68 Comments

While I was away from blogging, three more 5-star reviews gently flowed in for my book, Ever So Gently. These beautiful reviews added light to the initial reason for my break. And the true reward is learning how my poems resonate with others.
So for me, the stars align. ⭐️
Thank you again to Colleen, Robbie, and Miriam. I appreciate you all! ❤️🙏🏻

Another tidbit to share is that my son was recently visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, relaxing by Bear Lake at 9,500 feet elevation after a good hike while reading my book. You may remember that he painted the cover for me on canvas and also helped in the tedious formatting process. But he hadn’t read the poems. And my family is honest, so if there’s something they don’t like, they’ll tell me without hesitation (lovingly, of course). 🙂
Well, he absolutely loved the nature poems, and is currently reading the rest of the book. Fingers crossed, he feels the same way about part 2 and 3. Anyway, I love this photo he sent me and am grateful that my 28-year-old son is taking the time to read ‘his mom’s’ book. ❤️

And now for the wonderful reviews…

From Robbie:

Ever So Gently: A collection of poems is a beautiful memoir of the poet’s life and experiences, mellowed by experience and understanding, and told through carefully selected words. The poems are a mixture of freestyle and syllabic and share some vivid and delightful imagery that celebrates important moments in the poet’s life.

For me, the emphasis with this collection is on the softening of the poet’s attitude towards, and views, on life gained through experience and living. This message, reflected in the title “Ever So Gently” and the beautiful and peaceful cover, is wonderful and absorbing. Its subtle repetition throughout this book is like slipping into a warm bubble bath. It evokes the same delightful sense of peace and calm. My words must not be misunderstood to mean that none of the poems demonstrate moments of anguish and angst, as that is not the case. Those moments, that are so catastrophic and devastating to the poet at the time of occurrence are there, but their harshness is lessened through acceptance and understanding gained over the passage of time.

A few verses that I particularly enjoyed:

“A lone sailboat glides by
pausing for the unfolding.
With hair the color of an egret,
an older man leans against a stump.”
From The Sun Knows

“raindrops vacillate
layers hold their own secrets
delicate delight”
From The Peach Rose

“Each purl stitch was interwoven with love
from her gentle touch.
She, the teacher, me, the student,
as our bodies sank into the sofa
checkered in a 70’s palette.
From The Old Afghan

The two poems that I related to the most were The Mess and Young Campers, both about the poets children. This book is a celebration of life, the good and the less good.

From Colleen:

“Ever So Gently” asks us to accompany the author on a profound journey into the human condition seen through her own experiences. Scott has a way of making the mundane things in life a positive poetic event. That upbeat theme lasts throughout the book.

She split the book into three sections: The Wisdom of Nature; The Noise, the Laughter, the Chaos, the Loved Ones; and Lost in Thought. The author explores nature and how she relates to those quiet times when nature calls her name. The next section deals with the love in her life. The last section deals with the author’s deeper nature as she explores her feelings in greater detail.

I was surprised to see an excellent collection of haiku and other forms of syllabic poetry in the book. It was easy to connect with the variety of poems and themes. I enjoyed all of them!

I had two favorite poems. One was called “The Sign” and the other, “Ever So Gently.” Both poems are contemplative in nature, but filled with hope for the good things in life to enrich our lives.

From Miriam:

Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poems by Lauren Scott is a cozy and delightful read. I love the pastel color scheme of the cover. It conveys a soft feeling like the fluffy feathers caressing my skin. Her son Michael painted the cover on canvas. The title and the cover join in a beautiful harmony.

Even though this was an autumn evening, I snuggled in front of my fireplace, let the flames warm my face, and let Scott’s words warm my heart. By looking at the content, I knew gems were waiting to be found. This collection is divided into three parts. The first part touches on nature, the second part on relationships and loved ones, and the third part on thoughts in life.

Scott painted nature with her soft strokes. “Cottony clouds drift by. We want to move into them, feel their softness enfold us.” “Tiny threads of peace weave into the marrow of our souls mending any fretting that stirred.” “I wonder if pine needles wiggle in delight until they float to the earth…” The vivid imagery invited my presence in her natural world with the hummingbird, the sunflower, the peach rose, the lantana, the rocks, and the shiny shells.

Scott shared her joyous moments of meeting her husband and their newfound love. “Life has blossomed into delight and wonder in every part of its glowing greatness.” She missed her son and daughter, who were grown and gone. She would leave her son’s room messy to remind her of his presence. The days when the children were little were greatly missed. She reminisced about the younger days when her parents moved from place to place and she missed old friends. The old Afghan reminded her of the memory and wisdom of her mom. One Sunday afternoon, she had the last conversation with her dad. “His voice offers no response, silent for eternity, his body, a shell.” Scott’s memorable moments reminded me of my own with my husband, my daughter, and my parents.

The poem “Things I Know, Believe and Imagine” posted a valuable question. “I believe Love should remain the center of all humankind, but since hate continues to linger on the street, here’s a question to ponder… what should we do differently?” A Two-Wheel Getaway told a cheerful story of meeting biking strangers who became instant friends. The star poem Ever So Gently conveyed the message of hope.

“Its [star’s] glow will grow ever so gently
Into a bright beacon of hope
Rising with the golden sun
Bringing clarity to our vision.”

Thank you for visiting today, and I hope these touching reviews entice you into reading my collection.

To purchase your copy, simply click on the image above
or on this link: https://tinyurl.com/3ds4839u

Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday! 💙🩵💚

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

Book Promotion/Review -Fusion: Poems of Life by Balroop Singh

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews, Poetry67 Comments

I am delighted to feature Balroop Singh’s latest release, Fusion: Poems of Life. This beautiful collection of poetry is about enduring the struggles, reveling in the joys, and knowing that one can’t exist without the other. If you haven’t met Balroop, I suggest you visit her beautiful site, Emotional Shadows.

To purchase, please click on image.

BOOK BLURB:

Fusion is the elixir of life. We seek it in every aspect of the cosmos. The magic of fusion manifests itself in the colors of dawn and dusk, in the melodies of nature, in the singing of birds, in the miniscule moments of joy, inspiring us to live in harmony with each other despite the edges that threaten to swallow us.

The poems in this collection are an amalgamation of harmonies and edges that bind us firmly. We have to wade into murky waters to measure the depth. We have to risk the heights to know our worth. Slippery snow makes us learn how to create footholds. Some songs of life dilute in the hourglass of time to erase the shadows – dark or light, all the colors play an equal role to create a fusion.

MY REVIEW:

Fusion by Balroop Singh is truly medicine for the soul. I’ve read several books by this author, and she never disappoints with her excellent writing. This book is a lovely poetry collection consisting of over eighty poems broken into three parts: Harmonies, Visceral Vibes, and Edges. I enjoyed reading the poems over a few evenings. Singh implores us to embrace the harmonies in spite of the edges that attempt to knock us down. These edges can build up clutter in our minds, but she expresses how harmonies provide the magic to soften them. I suggest you read slowly to absorb her profound messages, stunning imagery, and creativity that stirs up an array of emotions. I have too many favorite poems to list, so I’ll highlight a few…

The first poem, “Colors of Life” is a great beginning because of the inspiration it offers: “Ashen and gray may jolt us/but life keeps its smile/if we let the clouds pass/And revel in starry delight.”

While reading “Hugs” I am reminded how special an embrace is, and how this simple, yet comforting gesture was stolen from us during the lockdown of the pandemic.
Who would’ve imagined?

Singh’s adoration for nature resonates as I love spending time in the outdoors, especially in the mountains with only a tent to call home. These lines from “Together” evoke memories of the tranquil and adventurous times on the trail with my husband: “A power that we discovered/In the mountains/A power that enchanted us/Lost in the wilderness/But blessed to be together.”
And I could almost hear ‘the pine tree twig nudge the other’ in “Unknown Ties.”

In this fast-paced world filled with chaos, the whimsical imaginings in “Bliss of Solitude” bring a smile:
“To fly on the silvery clouds to touch the horizon/To soak in the glory of gossamer rain drops/To sing with the wondrous wind that frees my spirit.”

Her words paint pictures that are simply exquisite, such as in verses from “Just Pause.”

I stepped out on my patio
I was amazed
To see that the sun had descended
On earth!

It happened to get stuck
In the pine tree
That turned golden,
Wrapped in bright yellow.

I will remember this gorgeous image when I observe the miracle of another sunset.

Singh prompts us in “When” with profound questions that we’ve all contemplated: “When will the sun paint the sky with colors of kindness?”

Even though Singh’s poetry is personal, many of the poems ring true with my experiences and ideas. I highly recommend this lovely collection for those who enjoy beautiful poetry, and who might also need medicine for the soul. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

MEET THE AUTHOR:

A former teacher and an educator, a passionate reader, a published writer, I have always lived through my heart. My students have been my true inspiration and I have learnt many lessons of life while teaching them and interacting with them through discussions. Youngsters are like a breath of fresh air and you can speak your mind and heart spontaneously in their company. Their idealism and innocence always gave a new hope to me, strengthening my belief that our future is in safe hands.

I am a great nature lover, I love to watch birds flying home. The sunsets allure me with their varied hues that they lend to the sky. I can spend endless hours listening to the rustling leaves and the sound of waterfalls. The moonlight streaming through my garden, the flowers, the meadows, the butterflies cast a spell on me. Like the busy modern people, competing with each other at a breathtaking speed, I have also spent the best part of my life in pursuing all those chores and am so glad to have all the time for myself now.

I have all those blessings that a person can crave for. Happily married for 40+ years, I have four lovely grandchildren. I love to travel, read good books and poetry. My friends have always called me optimistic though I have my share of murky times. I draw my inspiration from people, which has become a habit now, may be because I have spent a lot of time in the company of students and parents whose observations helped my imaginative aspect. A published poet and author, I’ve written six poetry books and three non-fiction – self-help books. Visit my Amazon author page: goo.gl/X1NEFf

This blog is all about people, their emotions, how emotions mould personalities and what is our role in all this.I am here to share my thoughts and experiences in my pursuit of happiness.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you’ll leave with a copy of Fusion: Poems of Life!

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

Click on the image to purchase
your copy!

Thank you to those who have purchased your copy of Ever So Gently,
and who have shared beautiful reviews. My heart is full of gratitude. 💙🩵

Sally at Smorgasbord Blog Magazine features Ever So Gently!

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews56 Comments

Dear Friends,

Sally at Smorgasbord Blog Magazine is always so kind and generous to support authors in promoting their books, and I’m thrilled that she featured my latest,
Ever So Gently.
If you haven’t met Sally, please visit her site. She is a pillar in this wonderful community. Here’s what Smorgasbord Blog Magazine is all about in Sally’s words:

“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 twelve years, ten of them as Smorgasbord Blog Magazine.”

In this series authors were invited to share an excerpt of 500 words from any of their published books .

Submissions are now closed for this series but there will be another in early 2024.. My thanks to all who have participated.

Today I am sharing a poem by Lauren Scott…from her recent release Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poems.

About the collection

In Ever So Gently, Lauren Scott shares her strong link to nature, taking the reader on a tranquil walk through a redwood grove. You’ll find an invitation to sit quietly on a patio, captivated by the simple beauty of a hummingbird. She’ll entice you to revel on the shore of a freshwater lake, mesmerized by its stunning beauty.

Scott shares how love has shaped her life. From that first delicious kiss to celebrating decades of marriage through a love that deepens over time. How her heart melted when she became a mom, then ached when her children started their adult lives across country. And how her adorable canine companions found their way into her heart.

Scott underscores how life presents mysteries we struggle to solve. We can’t help but ponder the deeper meaning of a simple vision. She prompts you to reminisce and reflect on your past, present, and future. Through the ups and downs, what matters most is to love and live ever so gently.

Book trailer created by Robbie Cheadle with my photos.

One of the poems from the collection in honour of Lauren’s father-in-law:

She Listens

He cares for his father whose body tires,
pain raging at cyclone force
from one hundred years of living a lifetime.
Yes, one hundred years! We were thrilled
to celebrate this monumental milestone,
but our emotions undulate –
who wishes to watch a loved one suffer?

Another week of work comes to an end.
With glass of wine in hand, we exhale
on the patio. Then the sun says,
“Good night, my dear friends,” as he
descends, making room for the moon.

And when the moon appears, Oh, my!
She takes our breath away!
Bright and bold as if she senses
we could use light in our souls.
She pays attention,
but most importantly, she listens.
And though the stars act a bit bashful,
they eavesdrop, and we are fine that they do.

The moon and stars hear us,
just an ordinary couple enjoying
a Friday evening but with heavy hearts.
Their absolute attention, imagine this,
out of all eyes gazing at the brilliant sky –
we know the moon’s lustrous presence
is for us alone.

Then we rise from our seats and head into
the house, feeling relaxed from the wine’s
fluidity, and appreciative that our troubles
have been received.

©Lauren Scott

One of the reviews for the collection:

Balroop Singh 5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and relatable  Reviewed in the United States

Scott’s poetry celebrates memories and moments in her latest collection – ‘Ever So Gently.’ Her connection with the surroundings blends into the wisdom of nature that unfolds through stunning imagery like: “hear the rustle of a skittering squirrel,” “petals of velvet invite raindrops to bask in their peach enchantment,” and “breeze carries burdens down rivers.”

From the birds that ‘flit and flutter’ to build their nest to the owl who proclaims his presence with his ‘high-pitched toots’ and the hummingbirds that flutter around the “bright pink petals” – all find a place of honor in this book to delight your moods. Lauren’s realism captivates and appeals to all the senses. Some of her poems express profound love that we cherish and yearn for – she tells you how valuable that love has been in her life.

From ‘The Peach Rose’ to ‘Firestorm’ and not to forget ‘I Was Adopted,’ her poetry slides most naturally on the wide canvas of creativity. However, poems that speak of love, of growing up and bonding are the ones that touched my heart. Who can ever forget ‘The Old Afghan,’ which is most relatable!

I haven’t read a more beautiful description of sunset – “The sky explodes in tangerines, salmons, canary yellows – brighter with every second. It’s as though a painter swished her brush back and forth…”
Some more examples of Scott’s brilliant style:
“And water hasnt caressed the hills
The earth, parched like Chile’s Atacama.”
“Silk-thread drizzles dusted rooftops and parched hills.”
“How he tenderly tiptoed through the syllables.”(I could feel the poignancy of the emotion)

A combination of free verse and syllabic poetry like haiku, tanka, etheree, shadorma etc. this is a lovely collection of poetry. Read it slowly to savor each emotion.

Head over to buy the collection: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Also by Lauren Scott

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Website/Blog: Baydreamer – Facebook: Lauren Scott Author

About Lauren Scott

Lauren Scott is a poet and writer of short stories, both fiction and reflections of her life. She enjoys small-town living in Northern California with her husband, Matthew, and their lab, Copper; they have two grown children.

She has authored two collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013) and Finding a Balance (2015). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee, and her latest book is a poetry collection, Ever So Gently, that was released in July 2023. Her poetry has been published on Spillwords Press, and she was voted author of the Month for May 2023. Lauren is a contributing author in the anthologies, Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships (2022) and This is How We Grow (2023).

She has recently finished her first children’s book and is working with her illustrator, planning to publish it in early 2024. Her writing inspiration comes from love of family, spending time in the great outdoors, and finding joy in the simple things.

Thank you for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.. Sally.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Thanks again, Sally, and thanks to you who have purchased my book
and who have written wonderful reviews. The happy dance continues
and my heart is full of gratitude. ❤️❤️

Smorgasbord Free Book Promotions 2023- Share an Excerpt from one of your published books – #Poetry – Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poems by Lauren Scott